Who We Are
Surfing Australia is the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for surfing, established in 1963 to grow and guide the sport across the country.
Our purpose is simple: create a healthier, happier Australia by connecting communities through surfing.
We aim to keep surfing as one of Australia’s most loved sports — building authentic heroes and champions, inspiring the next generation to learn a skill for life.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced leader to drive participation, inclusion, and community growth in surfing, while setting the global benchmark for sport education.
The Head of Participation & Community (P&C) leads our national programs, partnerships, and initiatives across these key focus areas:
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Boardrider Clubs
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Coaching, Judging & Officiating
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Surf Schools
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Participation & Inclusion Programs — including Female, First Nations, and Para surfers
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National CRM Platform
You’ll design, deliver, and report on programs that grow surfing nationwide, working closely with Surfing Australia’s six State Associations to improve systems, processes, and the overall sport development pathway.
This is a leadership role reporting to the CEO, based full-time at Surfing Australia’s High-Performance Centre in Casuarina, NSW. Monthly domestic travel required.
Key Responsibilities
Participation & Community Growth
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Increase participation and improve the quality of experience for surfers in Australia
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Lead Surfing Australia’s national P&C strategy, including annual objectives and reporting
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Work closely with the leadership team on future strategy, organisational objectives, people development, and culture
Program Delivery & Operations
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Manage annual P&C budgets and agreements
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Develop inventory and benefits packages for organisations (with Events & Partnerships teams)
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Drive new revenue streams across programs, Surf Schools, and Boardrider Clubs
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Secure increased government funding and grants for new and existing programs
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Oversee operations and logistics for all P&C programs, including SurfGroms, surf school licensing, and national initiatives
System & Network Management
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Maintain and improve platforms that support Participation & Community (JustGO, LiveHeats, Sport Integrity systems, Surfing Australia website)
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Build strong partnerships with State Associations to deliver high safety standards, exceptional customer experience, ethical practices, and sustainable growth for Surf Schools and Boardrider Clubs
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Manage SurfGroms to exceed 8,000 participants annually, including marketing, operations, compliance, and logistics
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Develop and deliver resources and training to raise standards across Surf Schools and the Boardrider Club network
Community, Events & Inclusion
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Strengthen Surfing Australia’s relationship with the wider surfing community, including Local Government engagement
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Lead national insurance programs for Surf Schools and Boardrider Clubs
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Deliver inclusion programs with a focus on Female, First Nations, and Para surfers
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Oversee compliance and rollout of the National Integrity Framework and all NSO policies
Strategic Growth & Innovation
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Identify new participation opportunities, such as Secondary School programs and water safety initiatives
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Build and oversee national fundraising efforts (Australian Sports Foundation, Surf For Life)
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Manage Learning & Development programs for Coaching, Judging, and Officiating
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Lead the development of Boardrider Club benefits, data insights, and systems
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Represent Surfing Australia at national events and conferences when required
Team & Performance
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Lead the Participation & Community team, setting KPIs and managing performance
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Deliver professional development and support for team members
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Drive continual improvement across all programs and operations
What You’ll Need
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5+ years’ experience in Participation & Community management
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Competitive surfing background and deep passion for the sport
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5+ years’ sales experience, securing six-figure partnership deals
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Proven track record securing local, state, and ideally federal government grants
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Event management experience with 200+ competitors
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Strong knowledge of surf events, surf schools, and community engagement
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Expert in membership management systems and software
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Marketing and PR experience preferred
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Foundation Level Coach/Judge certification preferred
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Developed and executed successful sports and business strategies
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Managed teams of 5+ staff
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Excellent business and government networks within Australia
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Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint)
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Deep understanding of Australian grants and funding landscape
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Expert project management and presentation skills
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Strong knowledge of Australia’s beaches, surf conditions, and surf communities
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Active involvement or membership with a Boardrider Club strongly preferred
Why Join Us?
Be part of a passionate, energetic, and hardworking team committed to growing surfing in Australia. You’ll lead national programs that shape the future of the sport and drive real community impact.
Applications close: 5pm, 30th June 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your CV and a cover letter explaining:
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Why your experience aligns with this role
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Why this is the right next step in your career with Surfing Australia
We appreciate all applications, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity
Surfing Australia is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, flexible, and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from all people, including those from diverse cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, different age groups, and all gender identities and sexual orientations.
