Diversity And Inclusion Manager

Netball Queensland

Netball Queensland is a unifying leader responsible for the growth, sustainability and success of netball across the state. Our vision is to become a world leading sports organisation respected for transforming lives through netball. We are responsible for the highly regarded Queensland Firebirds, the ever-growing participation and delivery of netball in our Queensland communities and the management of our $45 million state of the art venue, Nissan Arena.

The Opportunity

The Diversity & Inclusion Manager will work across NQ’s inclusion priorities, playing an integral role in realising NQ’s vision to be the most played and supported sport in QLD by driving programs, projects and initiatives designed to remove barriers to participation and facilitate positive netball experiences for people of all backgrounds. 

In 2024 NQ was awarded project funding to promote disability inclusion across the state, which includes scaling up existing grassroots disability inclusion programs and enhancing the QLD Gems program. The QLD Gems are the state team representing QLD at the Marie Little Shield, a national annual tournament for women with intellectual disabilities. You will support the coordinated delivery and growth of the QLD Gems program and manage 2x Project Leads progressing broader disability inclusion objectives. 

You will also drive NQ and the Queensland Firebird’s efforts to champion LGBTQ inclusion. The Queensland Firebirds have led the way since hosting the league’s inaugural Pride Match in 2021, the same year NQ became a member of Pride in Sport. NQ participates in the Pride in Sport Index National Survey and in 2024 was awarded Silver tier recognition for its Pride in Sport Index submission, with aspirations of achieving Gold tier status in 2025. 

Responsibilities

• Developing effective strategies, networks and databases to increase the capacity of associations and clubs to remove barriers to participation for people of all backgrounds. 
• Engaging netball clubs and associations and other disability inclusion stakeholders to coordinate grassroots disability activities across the state. 
• Developing and promoting an evidence-informed disability inclusion package for clubs and associations to improve their capacity to offer adaptive play opportunities and connect them with people with disabilities in their regions.  
• Managing the logistics of the QLD Gems’ participation in the annual Marie Little Shield competition. 
• Working cross-departmentally and with relevant LGBTQ stakeholders to coordinate LGBTQ inclusion activities aligned to the Pride in Sport Index. 
• Supporting the development and delivery of tailored Diversity and Inclusion training for NQ staff, the QLD Firebirds, and NQ member organisations that reflect a streamlined and consistent approach to transitioning Diversity and Inclusion from a function to a practice. 
• Regularly updating all staff on progress towards inclusion goals. 
• Gathering qualitative and quantitative data to track participation and measure the effectiveness and impact of inclusion projects.
• Supporting and strengthening relationships with partner organisations and other stakeholders to increase participation opportunities.  
• Providing cross-departmental support to build Netball Queensland’s organisational capacity to promote inclusion and meet inclusion goals both internally and externally. 
• Providing timely updates and reports to the Head of Diversity & Inclusion to ensure program outcomes are achieving agreed key performance measures. 
• Update NQ’s inclusion webpages to highlight successes where required. 
• Engaging all staff in select Diversity and Inclusion days of significance and events, keeping all staff regularly updated on progress towards Diversity and Inclusion goals. 
• Providing supervision to 2x Disability Inclusion Project Leads. 
• Any other tasks required by NQ to achieve program outcomes. 

About You

The Diversity and Inclusion Manager requires the following qualifications and experiences:

• 3+ years’ experience in relevant area such as project management, program planning, health promotion and/or the delivery of Diversity and Inclusion programs and initiatives.
• A strong personal brand which personifies Netball Queensland’s values driven culture of excellence based on trust.
• Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health and the structural and social barriers to sports participation.
• Knowledge and understanding of different types and implications of disability. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and engage First Nations peoples, people with disability, LGBTQ+ identifying people, and people with diverse cultural backgrounds. 
• Demonstrated ability to articulate and act within the appropriate cultural context for number of different cultural groups, with the purpose of building cultural capacity within the netball system.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a challenging yet rewarding working environment.
• Be an influential leader across all areas of our business to support a truly inclusive and diverse workplace environment.
• High standard of written and verbal communication and collaboration skills, including negotiation, interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of netball programs at a community level.
• Effective time management skills with a demonstrated ability to work autonomously and meet multiple deadlines and commitments. 
• Proven ability to work autonomously and achieve outcomes under minimal supervision. 
• Able to work flexible hours to suit community needs, this may include weekends and evening work.
• Willingness to travel to deliver training and events.

The following experience is desirable:

• Minimum Foundational level coach accreditation or willingness to obtain and further develop your netball coaching knowledge. 
• Experience in the sports sector.

Why work for Netball Queensland?

To achieve the vision of becoming a “world-class sports organisation respected for transforming lives through netball”, Netball Queensland must have the best and brightest team on the court. Your reward for stepping into this challenge will be:

• Culture: a high-performance culture defined by NQ’s values and accepted behaviours and norms
• Flexibility: a hybrid work model that recognises the benefits of working in the office and working remotely
• Family: 18 weeks paid primary carer leave and 4 weeks paid secondary carer leave
• Wellness: access to employee assistance programs and a fully equipped high-performance gym 
• Growth: professional development opportunities and a strong commitment to support your career growth
• Reward and Recognition: remuneration reviewed annually in line with our performance review and career discussion process, regular feedback provided and wins celebrated
• Facilities: modern office facilities in Nissan Arena
• Location: easily accessible location with onsite parking and public transport
• Benefits: tickets to events at Nissan Arena and sponsor discounts
• Social: social committee who organise quarterly all-team events

And above all, the opportunity to directly impact the great game of netball and ensure its sustainability for generations to come!

Application Process

To be considered for this role your application should include:

1. A letter of introduction of no more than 2 pages that that addresses the key areas of responsibility and demonstrates your relevant experience. 
2. An accompanying resume

As an organisation we are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. It is essential that anyone employed at NQ understand their responsibility in relation to child safety. We require that all applicants hold a Working with Children (Blue) Card or be able to obtain one as soon as possible, and before commencing employment with NQ.

All applicants are also reminded that the sport industry operates outside of traditional business hours, including nights and weekends. To succeed in this role, you must be willing and able to work when and where sport is happening.  We have a flexible approach to ensuring our people can balance their family life and personal commitments alongside the demands of the industry.    

NQ is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, those from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTIQ communities. All NQ employees have access to employment opportunities, such as professional development and promotion.