Overview
The Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is seeking Expressions of Interest for the position of NBL1 Women’s Head Coach for the 2026 NBL1 East season. The Head Coach will report to the Head of Basketball and is responsible for leading, recruiting, developing, and coaching the Illawarra Hawks NBL1 Women’s team. This role requires proven recruitment ability, robust leadership, and a commitment to building a professional culture that develops Illawarra talent while delivering competitive results in the NBL1 East competition.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Leadership
- Lead and manage the NBL1 Women’s program in line with IBA’s values and long-term vision
- Set and uphold clear standards around professionalism, accountability, behaviour, and on-court performance
- Build a culture that inspires junior and youth players to progress into NBL1, while delivering a competitive product on the floor
- Understand and assist in managing the program’s player budgets
- Recruitment & Roster Management
- Recruit and build a roster for the 2026 NBL1 East season in conjunction with the IBA Head of Basketball
- Recruit a high-level Australian professional (WNBL/NBL1 calibre) to anchor the roster
- Balance the roster to achieve success while providing a genuine pathway for Illawarra juniors
- Recruit and manage all team staff, including assistant coaches and team managers, in consultation with IBA’s processes and policies
- Coaching & Game Management
- Attend all NBL1 training sessions and games, lead team preparation and scouting, and develop game strategies
- Mentor, develop, and coach team members individually and in groups to develop players and demonstrate game technique
- Develop and adapt systems that suit the Illawarra playing group and maximise competitive success
- Provide clear player roles, rotation plans, and demonstrate in-game flexibility
- Be accountable for the team’s performance and results throughout the NBL1 season
- Operations
- Take responsibility for team operations, deadlines, administration, and compliance as directed by IBA staff
- Lead coaching staff (Assistants/Team Manager) with clear role allocations (scouting, player support, admin, planning)
- Support the Head of Basketball to ensure that all players are meeting their contracted or implied duties within the Illawarra community
- Community & Pathway Engagement
- Represent IBA professionally in the community and media
- Work with Youth League and junior programs to maintain a seamless female player pathway
- Support IBA community programs, clinics, and promotional activities
- Build and nurture positive relationships across the NBL1 squad, staff, and the wider IBA community
Key Attributes
- Demonstrated excellence in leadership, strategy, and communication in a high-performance basketball environment
- Proven ability to recruit and retain talent, manage rosters, and build balanced teams
- Experience coaching at NBL1 or higher level, with strong knowledge of current basketball systems
- Strong organisational skills and willingness to work within IBA’s structures
- A passion for fostering a culture of holistic development, accountability, and community engagement
- Ability to hold players and staff accountable in a respectful, constructive way
Essential Requirements
- Valid NSW Working With Children Check
- Association Coach Accreditation (Level 2) or higher
- Valid driver’s licence
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📌 Illawarra HawksEast Women’s Head Coach
🏢 ILLAWARRA MERCURY
📍 City of Wollongong