Executive Officer

About Great Southern Academy of Sport (GSAS)

The Great Southern Academy of Sport is part of the state-wide WA Regional Athlete Support Program (RASP). GSAS is one of 4 regional sports academies and provides talented junior athletes and coaches throughout the Great Southern region with an exceptional home training environment to support their progress on identified high-performance sports pathways. Our vision is to have Great Southern athletes reaching the pinnacle of their chosen sport and inspiring the next generation.

Role Summary:

As the GSAS Executive Officer, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Western Australia’s newest regional sports academy. You will be responsible for ensuring the academy's mission of nurturing talent, promoting athletic excellence, and fostering holistic development among athletes and coaches. This is a largely autonomous role requiring a blend of leadership, administrative prowess, and a deep passion for sports.

The role is a full-time fixed term contract, for 38 hours per week. 

Key Responsibilities:

Within the limitations of policy, budgets and delegations of authority, the Executive Officer will be responsible for:

Strategic Leadership

• Execute the GSAS Strategic Plan in alignment with the academy’s vision and objectives
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the sports industry to enhance the academy’s offerings and competitive edge
• Liaise with State Sporting Associations (SSAs) and Regional Sporting Associations (RSAs) and the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) to ensure services are in keeping with recognised athlete talent development pathways
• Collaborate with stakeholders to continuously improve programs and facilities

Operational management

• Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including provision of athlete services, delivery of athlete education, athlete well-being and administrative support.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, safety protocols and organisational policies
• Facilitate athlete and coach scholarship applications, selection and appointment processes
• Develop new policies and/or adjust existing policies as required to ensure safe, consistent and effective programs
• Report to and provide strategic direction to the GSAS Board of Management

Athlete and coach development

• Work closely with service providers to design and implement comprehensive training programs that cater to the diverse needs of athletes and coaches
• Monitor athletes progress, provide feedback and facilitate opportunities for skill development and advancement
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship and personal growth

Community Engagement

• Cultivate strong relationships with athletes, parents, coaches, alumni, sponsors, and other stakeholders
• Represent the academy at community events, conferences and networking forums to raise awareness and foster partnerships
• Support the consistent branding and promotional activity for GSAS

Financial Management 

• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts and/or financial reports.
• Identify potential revenue streams, sponsorship opportunities, and fundraising initiatives to support the academy’s sustainability and growth
• Exercise fiscal responsibility and ensure resources are allocated effectively to maximise impact

Requirements of the Position:

Essential:

Qualifications
a) Tertiary degree or relevant experience in community development, sports and/or recreation disciplines or business management.
 

Knowledge and Skills
a) Strong understanding of Australian sport systems and state and regional sport sector structures

b) A strong understanding of the needs of sub-elite developing athletes, coaches and officials in a regional setting and experience in a leadership role in a sub-elite or high-performance sporting environment;

c) Be sufficiently mature, professional and credible and have the ability to manage conflict and to negotiate, influence and to develop and maintain strong relationships with a range of government, corporate, sporting organisation and community stakeholders; 

d) Understanding and experience in sport or not-for-profit governance and a proven ability to work with a board, to autonomously work strategically and operationally and to deliver upon pre-determined objectives;

e) Strong strategic and financial planning, analytical and solution oriented skills in small to medium size organisations; 

f) Knowledge and experience in business development, with a proven capacity to grow the profile an organisation and to secure government, commercial and other forms of revenue;

g) Proven ability to measure and manage the performance of athletes, coaches, contractors and employees and to objectively report on organisational success and impact;

h) Well-developed written and verbal communication and social media skills

Desirable
a) Previous experience in the use of databases, such as Excel, MYOB

b) Previous event management skills

c) A high-performance playing or coaching background
 

Requirement: A Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check (valid in WA) will be required if successful.
 

IT Support – the Project Officer will be provided with a laptop and mobile phone, during the contract period.

To apply for this position, please click on the QUICK APPLY button at the top of the page. 

Please supply a RESUME and a COVER LETTER addressing the selection criteria.

For more information, please contact GSAS Vice Chairman Tom Moir on 0427 425 872.

Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.