Softball NSW (SNSW) is the peak body responsible to conduct, encourage, promote, advance, control and administer all forms of Softball in and throughout New South Wales. SNSW works collaboratively with member Associations for the mutual and collective benefit of the Members and Softball.

Our core vision is growing participation and the member experience by providing engaging competitive & recreational opportunities to a diverse membership. We are seeking to recruit for a CEO to lead the sport into 2027 and beyond.

SNSW has a strong financial, organisational and governance foundation to build upon and must now focus on longer term development of the sport, whether it be traditional softball or more social forms such as slow pitch.

Strategic Context

The CEO will be required to develop and implement SNSW’s new strategic plan, working closely with the Board, with a particular focus on growing community awareness of softball and participation growth.  

The role will also be expected to implement strategies that:

• optimise high performance & pathways programs for members;
• deliver quality tournaments and events;
• enhance governance practises throughout the sport; and
• ensure financial sustainability of the sport

Role Purpose

The CEO provides senior executive leadership to SNSW and softball throughout NSW. The role operates under the direct authority and oversight of the Board but is suited to applicants who enjoy the autonomy to make a positive difference.

This is a senior fixed-term role requiring an individual with demonstrated executive leadership capability, sound financial management and governance expertise, and the judgment and interpersonal skill to lead an organisation through a period of strategic change.

Key Responsibilities during the term of this appointment include (refer to attachment for more detail on all the responsibilities for the role)

• Community Awareness Growth
• Participation Growth
• Governance Leadership
• Stakeholder Management
• Financial Management
• Operational Leadership

Applications will be assessed against the following key criteria. Candidates should address each criterion in their EOI submission (maximum 200 words each).

Community Awareness Growth – Experience with and knowledge of strategies and practises that would grow the profile of softball in the broader community. This experience must include contemporary media, marketing and promotional activities that reach people unaware of what a great sport softball is.

Participation Growth – Experience with, and the energy to deliver, programs that grow participation in all forms of softball. Ability to work with and influence member associations to try innovative initiatives that create interest in playing softball.

Governance Leadership - Sound working knowledge of corporate governance principles and practices in a sports environment, including board accountability, committee structures, conflicts of interest management and delegated authorities. Experience in, or demonstrated understanding of, the Australian sporting governance environment, ASC Sport Governance Standards or comparable regulatory frameworks. Demonstrated ability to lead a governance reform or compliance program to successful completion, including influencing member associations to adopt improved practises.

Stakeholder management - Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, including with government agencies, funding bodies, peak bodies and membership organisations. Ability to represent an organisation credibly and maintain stakeholder confidence during a period of change.

Financial management - Demonstrated experience overseeing budget management, financial controls and financial reporting at an organisational level. Ability to ensure financial accountability and compliance with funding agreement obligations. Experience with not-for-profit or membership-based financial structures is desirable.

Operational Leadership - Demonstrated senior executive leadership experience, preferably in a National or State Sporting Organisation. Experience developing strategic plans, and the ability to provide clear direction, maintain organisational stability and build staff confidence during a period of transition. Experience leading small to medium organisations or operating units with responsibility for strategy, operations and people. Event management experience an advantage.

Softball NSW is a member of Softball Australia.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant Tertiary Qualification / Sports Management / Business Degree
• Minimum of 5 years senior management experience, preferably in similar organisations with demonstrable board reporting experience.
• A dynamic and inspiring leader, with a successful history in business growth, transformation, and management of similar sized organisations.
• Ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors and to cultivate existing board member relationships.
• Excellent coalition building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. (eg. Member associations, players, sponsors, politicians, council)
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining effective relationships with local, state and federal government departments, funding agencies and key stakeholders, including the ability to influence outcomes, secure support and advocate on behalf of an organisation.
• Strong understanding of the Australian sporting landscape, including the role of national and state sporting organisations, government funding frameworks, member-based associations and contemporary sport governance principles.
• Action-oriented, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning and execution.
• Strong and analytical financial acumen, with an understanding of the not-for-profit operating context.
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial capability, with experience identifying opportunities for growth, diversifying revenue streams and achieving sustainable organisational outcomes.
• Strong marketing, public relations, and revenue raising experience with the ability to drive sustainable growth as well as engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated executive leadership experience with the ability to inspire and lead staff, volunteers and stakeholders, build organisational capability, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and deliver strategic outcomes that support the growth, sustainability and success of softball across New South Wales.