Do you have a background in event management? Our team is expanding and Surfing Australia is looking for a driven individual who’s ready to deliver an amazing portfolio of surfing events and ensure A+ account management for our partners.
Reports to:Chief of Sport & Partnerships
Department:Events
Location:Surfing Australia Head Office. Hyundai High Performance Centre – Casuarina, Tweed Heads NSW
Role:Full-time
Roles that report to this role:Contractors, onsite event teams and internship students
Start Date: Starting July/August 2025
About Surfing Australia
Surfing Australia is a National Sporting Organisation formed in 1963 to establish, guide and promote the development of surfing in Australia. Our purpose is to create a healthier and happier Australia through surfing. Our vision is to continue to be one of Australia’s most loved sports, creating authentic heroes and champions to inspire the next generation to learn a skill for life. From grassroots participation to Olympic podiums, we work to develop, promote, and grow the sport at every level.
Our events objective is to deliver the world's best competition pathway and surf lifestyle portfolio creating stoked competitors and new surf fans.
Visit surfingaustralia.com to learn more about our history, our strategic pillars and what we deliver to Australia’s surfing community.
About the role:
In this role of Events Specialist, your focus will be to lead and execute Events for Surfing Australia, deliveringa mix of high quality competitive & lifestyle events portfolio across Australia, as well as account manage major partnerships including government, commercial and other brands we collaborate with.
This role reports to the Chief of Sport & Partnerships and is based at Surfing Australia’s High-Performance Centre and Surfing Australia HQ in Northern NSW at Casuarina, NSW. The role will work closely with the Events Manager who will also drive event operations, strategies and technical elements for the events team and continue to lead a range of major events.
This role requires domestic travel and weekend work throughout the year across Australia to deliver and plan the portfolio of events. (Approximately 10-12 weekends is required to be worked per year).
Key Responsibilities:
Event lead on an exciting portfolio of national events including but not limited to multiple Australian Surfing Championships (National Titles), Australian Surfing Awards, Australian Online Junior Surfing Championships, Australian Interschool Surfing Championships, Government functions and other events on the national calendar.
Support the Chief of Sport & Partnerships as well as the Event Manager with a range of event projects, planning, event delivery, partnership deliverables all to achieve this year's events business plan and overall events objectives
Manage and report on event budgets
Lead team meetings and WIP's, both internal and external
Manage event staff and teams pre, during / onsite and post events
Successfully manage events in conjunction State branches and other Surfing Australia departments (Media, Marketing, High Peformance, Partnerships and the HPC).
Track & report performance of events
Reach and or exceed KPI’s set for all events
Council applications, permitting and stakeholder engagement
Event site design and signage application
Negotiating and drafting agreements and contracts
Create opportunities for volunteers and internships
Community engagement and local stakeholder communication
Asset, signage and merchandise creation and distribution
Booking accommodation, travel and catering
Inventory and Equipment management including pre-event and post event packing/loading
Surf Competition management and technical directing
Research, application and management of government grants & funding
Provide A+ partnership account management including government, commercial and other event suppliers
Ensure strong relationships and deliver on contractual obligations
Deliver partnership requirements at events
Partnerships sales and support
Build custom proposals and reports for events and partnerships
About You:
You are a highly organised, hardworking individual who has a love of sport, surfing and has initiative to get things done autonomously but also thrives on leading and motivating teams on the event site. You understand the Australian surfing competition system and our federated structure, know how to read swell, tides and winds, plus have had major event delivery and planning experience. You are also able to travel to events nationwide and deliver at the highest standard, plus approach challenges by thinking outside the square.
What we're looking for:
Strong event and project management skills
Strong onsite event delivery experience, event planning and contractor management
Hard working individual ready to get into onsite event operations
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels
Ability to lead and build strong teams
Sound financial, budget management, reporting and administrative skills
Experience in creating event and partnership proposals/solutions and comfortable with presenting and pitching to multiple stakeholders
Strong knowledge of the Australian surfing ecosystem and landscape
Able to work in a team environment and independently
Strong work ethic and passionate about your career and about making a difference
Influencing and leading in complex situations
Strategic planning& ability to facilitate change
Operational decision making, detailed oriented and innovative
Strong delegation and empowerment skills
High responsibility and accountability
Bring energy with the ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
Commercial acumen and the skills to negotiate mutually beneficial partnerships
Key Attributes:
Passionate surfer is highly regarded. The ability to convey the Surfing Australia story and vision with enthusiasm and background knowledge.
Relevant University degree preferred but not essential
Events/Project Management experience (ideally 2+years experience)
Competent in Excel, Word & PowerPoint and other key Microsoft applications
Experience with AI and other modern technology
Understand Surfing landscape, locations, key event beaches and able to read surf, weather,tides, swell and forecasting
Knowledgeable on our state branches and our federated structure
Knowledgeable on Australian beaches, surf conditions & communities
Knowledgeable on Australian Board Rider clubs
Knowledge of the Surfing Industry and brands
Required Working with Children Check and Australian Drivers License
What we offer:
At Surfing Australia, we are committed to creating a supportive and flexible work environment based at Surfing Australia’s HQ at the Hyundai High-Performance Centre in Casuarina, Northern NSW. We offer a competitive salary, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of an organisation that is dedicated to growing the sport of surfing in Australia.
Complimentary on-site gym facilities available
Opportunities for personal/career development
Great work culture and annual program
Dynamic team environment
Domestic Travel opportunities
Networking opportunities and ability to attend major events
If you want to join an organization full of passionate, energetic, and hardworking people, apply now.
In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role with Surfing Australia and why this is your next career move.
Please also note that this role is based in our office at Casuarina, NSW, which is on the QLD/NSW border between the Gold Coast & Byron Bay.
Please email (emailprotected) for any questions you have throughout the application period.
Closing date for applications Monday 7th July 5pm 2025.
We thank everyone in advance for their application for the role, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Surfing Australia’s Commitment Statements
Surfing Australia is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its activities. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultural and/or linguistic, people with a disability, and those with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Surfing Australia requires all applicants to undergo background checks and screening prior to or during any appointment to meet our responsibilities under the Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework,Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
Surfing Australia is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children that are involved in our sport. Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to child safety and to establish a child safe culture and practices.
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Your application will include the following questions: Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting? Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check? How many years' experience do you have in event management? Are you available to travel for this role when required? How much notice are you required to give your current employer? How many years of people management experience do you have? What's your expected annual base salary?
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