Are you passionate about creating unforgettable fan experiences, delivering major events, and bringing communities together?

The Parramatta Eels are seeking an experienced and creative Fan Experience & Events Lead to join our team on an 11-month parental leave contract. Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, this role will lead the Club's fan engagement strategy, major events program, sports presentation and cross-functional business integration initiatives across the Club.

At the Parramatta Eels, we're all about uplifting lives, delivering unforgettable moments and bringing communities together. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for a driven and collaborative professional who can create meaningful experiences that deepen the connection between our Club, Members, fans, partners and community.

Our Club values of Accountable, All-In, United and Respect guide everything we do, and we are committed to fostering a supportive, high-performing culture where every individual is empowered to grow and make a meaningful impact.

As the Fan Experience & Events Lead, you will shape and deliver the Club's fan engagement strategy across NRL and NRLW programs, lead major events, enhance match-day experiences and drive integration across Football, Consumer, Commercial, Marketing, Foundation and Community teams. You will also provide leadership to the Game Day & Events Executive, ensuring the successful delivery of game day operations, fan engagement initiatives and major Club events.

Come Back the Badge and help create unforgettable experiences for our Members, fans, partners and community.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking either a four or five-day-per-week arrangement.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the Fan Experience & Events Lead will be responsible for the strategic and creative direction of the Club's fan experience and engagement initiatives. This role plays a critical part in enhancing the overall fan journey through the delivery of major Club events, game day experiences, member engagement programs, sports presentation and commercial integration opportunities.

Working across Football (NRL & NRLW), Consumer, Commercial, Marketing, Foundation and Community, the successful candidate will lead cross-functional collaboration to deliver integrated fan experiences, major events and engagement initiatives that strengthen the connection between Members, fans, partners and the wider community, while maximising commercial outcomes and stakeholder value.

The role will provide leadership and direction to the Game Day & Events Executive, ensuring the successful planning and delivery of game day operations, Club events and fan engagement initiatives.

This role will also be responsible for overseeing the Club's sports presentation strategy to ensure a consistent and engaging match-day experience across both NRL and NRLW programs.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how fans engage with one of the NRL's most iconic clubs during an exciting period of growth and innovation.

Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the Club's fan experience and engagement strategy.
• Develop and deliver major Club events, member events, business events, fan engagement initiatives and community activations.
• Oversee the planning and execution of game day and sports presentation experiences across NRL and NRLW programs.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development to the Game Day & Events Executive.
• Work closely with Football, Consumer, Commercial, Marketing, Foundation and Community teams to deliver integrated Club-wide initiatives.
• Identify and develop opportunities that enhance the fan journey, grow membership, increase attendance and strengthen supporter connection.
• Manage supplier procurement, event delivery partners and key stakeholder relationships.
• Lead event budgeting, project planning and operational delivery to ensure initiatives are delivered on time and within budget.
• Develop commercial integration opportunities that enhance fan experiences and deliver value for Club partners.
• Monitor fan feedback, industry trends and best practice to continually evolve the Club's fan experience offering.
• Provide regular reporting and insights on event performance, fan engagement and strategic initiatives.
• Flexibility to work Club events, game days and functions, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in fan engagement, events, marketing, sport, entertainment or a related field.
• Proven experience delivering major events, activations or large-scale customer experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and business integration initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of how fan experiences contribute to organisational outcomes.
• Experience managing suppliers, agencies, contractors and event partners.
• Previous people leadership experience highly regarded.
• Experience within sport, entertainment, membership or community-based organisations highly regarded.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Marketing, Events, Business, Sport Management or a related discipline highly regarded.

Skills & Behaviours

• Strategic thinker with strong creative, planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation.
• Passion for creating exceptional customer and fan experiences.
• Positive, proactive and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities.
• Alignment with the Club's values of Accountable, All-In, United and Respect.