NETBALL NSW OVERVIEW

Netball NSW is a not-for-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors and managed by professional staff. As the peak state sporting body for netball in New South Wales, it is responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of the sport, and is affiliated with Netball Australia.

Netball NSW provides a comprehensive framework supporting approximately 119,000 registered members and more than 150,000 participants across all levels of the game. The sport’s continued growth is driven by the wide range of programs, facilities and services offered, from grassroots participation to professional pathways.

Netball NSW has a strong history of elite performance, with over 300 athletes representing the state since 1997, including through the Suncorp Super Netball competition featuring the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.

Our Vision: Netball is NSW’s leading sport of choice and opportunity

Our Purpose: Lead and support our Netball community to grow and thrive

Our Values & Behaviours:

• WELCOMING: We are an inclusive community for everyone.
• ONE TEAM: We respect and value each other.
• BEST ALWAYS: We aspire to excellence.
• INTEGRITY: We play fair and take ownership of our actions.
• FUN: We love what we do.

NSW Swifts Overview: 

The NSW Swifts are one of the most iconic club netball teams globally, with a proud 26-year legacy in Australian sport. Owned by Netball NSW, legends like Liz Ellis, Cath Cox, Laura Langman, and Kim Green have donned the Swifts’ colours. 

Originally the Sydney Swifts, they were a founding team in Australia’s first national league, the Commonwealth Bank Trophy, winning four titles before rebranding in 2008 for the ANZ Championship. They made history by winning the inaugural ANZ title, thrilling fans with a memorable Grand Final win. 

Despite changes over nine ANZ seasons, the Swifts remained a powerhouse, reaching consecutive Grand Finals in 2015 and 2016. In the Suncorp Super Netball era, coach Briony Akle guided the team to Premierships in 2019 and 2021, cementing their place at the top of the sport.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The NSW Swifts are seeking a passionate, creative, and strategically-minded Media & Communications Specialist to drive the Club’s storytelling, media presence, and content performance across all platforms. 

This role is central to shaping how the Swifts are seen, heard, and experienced through compelling stories, feature writing, and high-impact communications execution. The position plays a key role in enhancing brand reputation, deepening fan engagement, and supporting commercial and community outcomes. 

Working across media, marketing, high performance, and commercial teams, this role sits at the intersection of storytelling, sport, and strategy, bringing athlete journeys, match moments, and community impact to life. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Storytelling & Content Creation

• Lead the development of news stories, feature articles, and long-form content across all channels 
• Identify and craft compelling narratives around:  
  • Match moments and performance stories
  • Players and coaches
  • Community programs and grassroots engagement 
• Produce high-quality written content including: 
  • Website articles and features
  • Player profiles and human-interest stories
  • Match previews, reports and editorial pieces
• Translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging narratives for fans and stakeholders 
• Ensure all content aligns with Swifts brand, tone, and strategic messaging 

Media and Public Relations

• Write, distribute, and manage press releases and media materials 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, broadcasters, and media outlets 
• Manage media enquiries and coordinate interviews with players, coaches, and staff 
• Support reputation management and provide communications guidance when required 

Match Day Media Operations

• Lead match day media and communications execution, including:  
  • Real-time storytelling and live content delivery 
  • Match reports, highlights, and key narratives 
  • Coordination with broadcasters and media partners 
  • Provide accreditation and manage media at home games. 
• Manage post-match media requirements including press conferences and mixed zones 
• Support athlete and coach media commitments in high-pressure environments

Website Management

• Manage and update the NSW Swifts website with timely, engaging, and accurate content 
• Publish news, features, and campaign content aligned to key initiatives 
• Ensure all content is optimised for user experience and accessibility 
• Collaborate with marketing and commercial to drive business aims across our owned channels. 

EDM Creation & Campaign Management

• Plan, write, and deliver EDMs and email marketing campaigns 
• Align campaigns with:  
  • Membership and ticketing objectives 
  • Partner and commercial activity 
  • Marketing messaging 
  • Community and engagement initiatives 
• Monitor performance metrics (open rates, click-through rates, engagement) and optimise future campaigns 

Stakeholder & Partner Integration

• Work closely with internal teams to identify and develop content opportunities, including:  
  • High Performance (players and coaches) 
  • Community programs and participation 
  • Commercial and partnership activations 
• Support sponsor outcomes through storytelling and content amplification 
• Ensure consistent messaging across all internal and external communications 

Communications Strategy & Reporting

• Support the development and execution of integrated communications strategies and campaigns 
• Monitor media coverage, audience engagement, and content performance 
• Prepare insights and reporting on:  
  • Media reach and sentiment 
  • Content engagement and effectiveness 
• Provide recommendations to continuously improve communications impact 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field 
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in media, communications, or content roles 
• Demonstrated experience writing news stories, features, and long-form content 
• Experience managing media relations and executing communication campaigns 

Knowledge and Skills

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills 
• Strong understanding of media landscape and digital content channels 
• Demonstrated experience in:  
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills 
• Strong understanding of media landscape and digital content channels   
• Demonstrated experience in:  
  • Press release writing
  • Social media content creation
  • Website and CMS management
  • EDM platforms and campaign execution
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability 
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, high-performance environment 
• Social media content creation would be advantageous. 

Personal Attributes:

• Creative thinker with strong editorial judgement and news sense 
• Highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented 
• Adaptable and calm under pressure, particularly in match day environments 
• Strong team player with a collaborative mindset 
• Passion for sport, storytelling, and community impact 

WORKING REQUIREMENTS 

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, particularly during the Suncorp Super Netball season 
• Availability for match days, events, and media commitments 
• Occasional travel for fixtures and community activities 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Netball NSW is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally diverse backgrounds; young people; older workers; people with disabilities; the LGBTQIA+ community; and other under-represented groups.

Working with Children Check:

In accordance with Child Protection legislation candidates will be required to provide a Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance number for verification by Netball NSW prior to employment. Selection of the successful candidate will be based upon the results of child protection screening and relevant reference checks.

Child Safe Organisation:

Netball NSW is committed to protecting Children from harm. We require all applicants that will work with children to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment. All candidates must have a valid Working with Children Check.