Surf Life Saving NSW is seeking an experienced and engaging project professional to lead the pilot and evaluation of a refreshed entry-level Nippers program.

Every day, our volunteers help make Australian beaches safer places to live, work and play. Their dedication drives our mission to reduce coastal drownings and achieve our vision of zero preventable deaths in Australian waters. Through education, prevention and community engagement, we help keep our beaches safe for everyone.

Based at Belrose and reporting to the NSW Chief Operating Officer, you will work closely with the Surf Life Saving Australia Participation Manager, clubs, state and territory representatives and national stakeholders throughout the project.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future direction of one of Australia's most recognised junior participation programs. The insights and outcomes from this pilot will help shape future Nippers delivery and participation pathways across Surf Life Saving.

What you’ll do

• Lead project plans, schedules, budgets and status reporting for participation programs, including the Nipper Review.
• Facilitate working groups, reference groups and workshops to support consultation, co-design and decision-making.
• Manage project documentation, approvals, records and version control.
• Coordinate the pilot-club expression of interest process and develop partnership agreements.
• Develop operational resources, change plans and reporting processes to support pilot clubs.
• Coordinate nationally consistent training for Age Managers, coaches and Junior Activities Coordinators.
• Develop quality-assurance processes, participant engagement packs and practical program-delivery resources.
• Provide a central help desk and escalation point, supported by proactive club check-ins.
• Design the pilot evaluation framework and analyse feedback, participation data and delivery outcomes.
• Provide recommendations on pilot performance, readiness for broader rollout and future implementation.
• Support alignment between Nippers, youth development pathways and Surf Sports competition structures.
• Ensure program delivery complies with safeguarding, child-safety and inclusion requirements.

What you’ll bring

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven project management experience, including managing timelines, budgets and competing priorities.
• Experience implementing program change and supporting stakeholders through transition and adoption.
• Experience leading participation, sport, recreation, education or community-based programs
• Experience facilitating training, workshops or capability-building initiatives.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Sound planning, research and analytical skills.
• The ability to use evidence and consultation to inform program and project decisions.
• Strong initiative, organisation and time-management skills.
• Sound judgement and a professional, adaptable approach to emerging issues.
• Demonstrated ability to turn ideas into practical plans aligned with organisational objectives.

All candidates will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check before commencing work with SLSNSW.

Please note that only applicants with the eligibility to work in Australia will be considered for this role. To be successful, you must hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship

SLSNSW ensures a commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

Qualifications or equivalent experience in participation programs, project management or administration would be highly regarded. Knowledge of Surf Life Saving or aquatic activities and experience working in a volunteer-led organisation would also be advantageous.

What's in it for you?

• Help shape the future of Nippers participation across Australia.
• Work closely with clubs, volunteers and stakeholders across the Surf Life Saving movement.
• Continued learning and development opportunities.
• Time in lieu for approved additional hours.
• Access to salary packaging, Fitness Passport discounts and an employee assistance program.
• Onsite parking and modern facilities at Belrose.
• A positive, supportive and purpose-driven organisational culture.

Location: Surf Life Saving NSW Headquarters, Belrose

Position: Full-time, Fixed-term contract until June 2028

About SLSNSW

Surf Life Saving NSW is the state’s primary water safety and rescue organisation and one of the largest volunteer movements in the country. We support more than 83,000 members across 129 clubs to serve the community through beach patrol services, coastal emergency response, training and education, sport and junior development.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we embrace the diversity of our people.

Please note that only suitably experienced applicants meeting the above criteria will be contacted.

We thank you for your interest in working with SLSNSW.