- Full-time, senior leadership role
NSW Athletics is experiencing a period of strong growth and renewed momentum, driven by the success of the NSW Athletics Partnership. Through closer collaboration between Athletics NSW and Little Athletics NSW, the sport has delivered a more connected and contemporary athletics experience across the state, including aligned competition pathways, streamlined systems, and expanded opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities.
We are now seeking an experienced and values-driven General Manager – Community to lead the community-facing portfolio of the sport and shape how athletics is experienced at grassroots and club level across New South Wales.
This is a senior executive role with responsibility for participation growth, membership and affiliation systems, club capability, education, inclusion, integrity, community facilities planning, and the custodianship of Little Athletics, supporting more than 50,000 participants and over 220 clubs and centres statewide.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Manager - Community is accountable for:
- Strategic leadership of NSW Athletics’ community, participation, and membership framework
- Oversight of membership and affiliation systems, data insights, and annual renewal cycles
- Leadership of club support, education, inclusion, integrity, and workforce development portfolios
- Ensure programs and services offered by centres and clubs are supported, protected, and grown as a core participation entry point for the sport.
- Development of education pathways for coaches, officials, age managers, and volunteers
- Leadership of community facilities planning and engagement with local and state government authorities to support sustainable participation growth and club capability
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with Sport Delivery, Performance & Pathways, Marketing & Communications, and Corporate Functional Areas and Schools Athletics.
This role plays a critical part in delivering a seamless athlete and participant journey, embedding consistency and professionalism across the NSW Athletics system, and supporting continued participation growth.
About You
You are a highly capable community sport leader with experience operating in complex, member-based environments. You bring:
- Senior leadership experience in community sport, participation, or member-based organisations
- A strong understanding of club-based sport systems, volunteer management, and participation pathways
- Proven ability to develop and implement participation, membership, or community engagement strategies
- Experience managing diverse stakeholder environments including clubs, volunteers, boards, and local, state, or national government bodies
- A collaborative, values-led leadership style with strong people and change management capability
Experience in athletics, Little Athletics, or a comparable community sport environment is highly regarded but not essential..
Why Join NSW Athletics?
There has never been a more exciting time to be involved with athletics in New South Wales. NSW Athletics is building on strong momentum, participation growth, and system-wide alignment to strengthen how clubs, volunteers, families, and communities engage with the sport. This role sits at the heart of that work, with the opportunity to shape participation outcomes and community impact at scale.
You will join a purpose-driven organisation with a clear strategic direction, a committed leadership team, and a genuine opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, strengthening clubs, supporting volunteers, and ensuring athletics remains accessible, inclusive, and sustainable across NSW.
