National Performance Director

Paddle Australia

Paddle Australia (PA) is the National Sports Organisation (NSO) responsible for the management, coordination, development, and promotion of paddling in Australia.

PA is committed to the provision of a high standard of competition, safety and opportunity for paddling participation in Australia. This includes the development and delivery of the successful Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint Olympic and Paralympic programs and the six non-Olympic disciplines (Canoe Polo, Freestyle, Marathon, Ocean Racing, Wildwater and SUP), as well as recreational paddling.

As the peak body for paddle related activity in Australia, PA works collaboratively with six (6) State Paddle Associations (SPAs), around 125 active clubs, seven (7) disciplines and approximately 12,000 members, instructors and coaches. 

About the role

As Paddle Australia embarks on the exciting journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are seeking a world class, highly collaborative, inspirational National Performance Director to lead Paddle Australia’s High-Performance Program.

The intention is that the successful person will be available to begin their new role with us following a successful Paris Olympic/ Paralympic campaign.

The role encompasses each of the National Centre of Excellence centres (Sprint & Slalom) including all National Team activities across the Olympic/ Paralympic disciplines, with the aim of ensuring sustainable success.

This is a rare opportunity for an impactful individual to provide outstanding leadership and management across all aspects of the High-Performance Program, which supports our athletes to become the world’s best paddlers and people.

Reporting to the newly appointed CEO, the key duties will include:

• Implementation and accountability of the current High-Performance Program strategy.
• Leadership & management of High-Performance Program staff and support network.
• Leadership oversight of the National Centres of Excellence.
• Ensuring effective day to day management and delivery of the operational plan for the HP Program.
• Lead and monitor national teams’ performance including plans for podium to pathway athletes.
• High level relationship management, working closely with the National Institute Network and Games partners; Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), State Institute and Academies of Sport (SIS/SAS), Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympic Australia, State Associations, and other key stakeholders in building an aligned and fully integrated HP Program.
• Leading a purposeful highly effective world class team with a strong performance culture, athlete focus and successful delivery of benchmark competition results.
• Development of related policies and procedures.
• Presenting to internal and external stakeholders sharing learnings and providing instruction on areas of expertise.

About you

We are looking for someone with the following qualifications, skills, traits and experiences:

• Experience in successfully driving change and managing multi-disciplinary high-performance teams in often complex and uncertain environments.
• A bachelor’s degree or above may be required for an international candidate due to visa requirements.
• A comprehensive understanding of the Australian HP Sport System and international sporting landscape.
• Advanced and proven contemporary leadership skills.
• Experience in the management and/or administration of HP sport programs at the national or international level.
• Demonstrated ability to positively influence, establish and develop further the existing working relationships with key stakeholders across the system.
• Experience in senior executive leadership, management, or high-level coaching positions.
• An authentic, driven individual with high levels of resilience and self-awareness.

Paddle Australia is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Position location

Ideally the successful applicant will reside on the Gold Coast, Qld or Sydney, NSW, subject to visa requirements in the case of an international candidate. The role will require relatively frequent interstate and overseas travel.