Do you have a background in surf school management, surf coaching and delivering sport participation programs? Our team is expanding and Surfing Australia is looking for a driven individual who's ready to help grow participation and support our Surfing Australia Surf School and Coaching network.
Reports to: Head of Participation & Community
Department: Participation & Community
Location: Surfing Australia Head Office. Hyundai High Performance Centre – Casuarina, Tweed Heads NSW
Role: Full-time
Roles that report to this role: Contractors & Internship Students
Start Date: October 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 Participation & Community department objective is to grow an inclusive and active community through surfing & set the global benchmark for sport education
Visit to learn more about our history, our strategic pillars and what we deliver to Australia's surfing community.
About the Role
This role is key in supporting Surfing Australia's national surf school network, surf coaches and driving participation across the sport of surfing. The purpose of this role is to inspire and support our surf schools and programs to consistently deliver world-class surfing experiences, while also fostering the development of surf and SUP coaches nationwide.
You'll be responsible for designing, delivering, evaluating, and reporting on key initiatives that strengthen participation pathways within the surf school network, improve program delivery across this network, and build capacity across the coaching network. The role will work closely with and also support the wider Participation & Community team who manage boardrider clubs, judging, learning and development, membership and systems, customer service, national integrity and other participation activities and programs.
This role reports to the Head of Participation and Community and is based at Surfing Australia's High-Performance Centre and HQ in Casuarina, Tweed Heads NSW.
Some domestic travel and weekend work will be required.
Key Responsibilities
* Work alongside six State Associations to manage the Surf School Network to achieve the following collective objectives:
* Grow national Surfing participation
* Deliver the highest standards in participant, member, and public safety
* Deliver high quality customer experiences
* Deliver exceptional programs and initiatives
* Demonstrate community-minded, ethical practices
* Support a sustainable network of growing surf school businesses
* Develop and maintain an attractive suite of programs and services delivered nationally or via the States, supporting these objectives
* Embed the Sport Integrity Australia policies across the Surf School Network
* Oversee the NRMA Insurance SurfGroms program to achieve strong national participation outcomes, including the following primary functions:
* Provide exceptional customer service to support and increase program enrolments
* Oversee and manage program strategy, operations, compliance, administrative systems, and processes to maximise outcomes and operational efficiencies
* Oversee the operations of the SurfGroms warehouse to ensure efficient and timely delivery of packs to surf schools in a manner appropriate to their needs
* Manage the development and maintenance of training and support tools and resources which raise the standard of program delivery within the surf school environment
* Visit delivery centers (surf schools) and manage on beach program activations and promotional activities alongside the marketing and media team
* Collaborate with state associations, surf schools, councils, and partners to ensure smooth program delivery, strong relationships, and positive participant outcomes
* Maximise and grow the Sporting Schools program to ensure SurfGroms, TeenGroms, SupGroms, and TeenSup continue to hold a leading place in the hearts and minds of primary and secondary school students across the country
* Manage and deliver Surfing Australia's philanthropic program, Surf for Life, and support delivery to increase participation outcomes
* Drive continual monitoring and improvement to strengthen the quality and impact of the Surf and SUP School Network
* Support with the JustGO system to ensure efficient use by surf schools and their staff
* Support the national insurance policy for surf schools
* Recruit new coaches, manage annual renewals, and deliver communication and marketing to support the Surfing Australia coaching network
* Own and evolve Surfing Australia's surf coaching strategy and year on year growth
* Support, account manage and administer community partnerships and grants to achieve outstanding sporting and financial outcomes
* Deliver surf education sessions and training, including presentations to schools, surf coaches, and community groups, to promote participation and grow understanding of surfing as a sport
* Drive a new research and data collection project to understand more about Surfing participation and who is surfing across the Surf School network
* Manage and report on program budgets
* Lead team meetings and WIP's, both internal and external
* Manage program staff and contractors on program activations
* Track & report performance of programs, coaching courses and surf schools
* 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
* Build custom proposals and reports for programs, reporting and partnerships
* Support the Head of Participation & Community and department as required
About You:
You are a highly organised, a great communicator and hardworking individual who has a love of surfing, sport and has initiative to get things done autonomously but also thrives on working in a team environment. You understand the Australian Surf School network, coaching system and our federated sport structure. You need to know how to read the swell, tides and winds, plus have had hands experience in program deliver. You are also able to travel to surf schools and programs nationwide and deliver at the highest standard, plus approach challenges by thinking outside the square.
Key Attributes
* Minimum 3-5 years experience in surf coaching and/or running a surf school
* Passion for surfing and a strong connection to the surfing community
* Strong project management and participation program experience with the ability to deliver programs on time and on budget
* Surf education experience, including delivering talks, lessons, or training to schools, coaches, or community groups
* Knowledge of Australian beaches, surf conditions, and coastal communities
* Understand Surfing landscape, locations, key surf school beaches and able to read surf, weather, tides, swell and forecasting
* Surfing Australia Foundation or Progression Coach accreditation (preferred)
* A sound understanding of how to market programs and build engagement
* Experience with membership management systems and booking platforms (desirable)
* Excellent presentation and communication skills, confident engaging with groups, partners, and stakeholders
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels
* 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
* Able to bring energy with the ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
* Knowledgeable on our state branches and our federated structure
* Knowledgeable on Australian Boardrider clubs
* Commercial acumen and the skills to negotiate mutually beneficial partnerships
* Sound financial, budget management, reporting and administrative skills
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
* Experience in creating proposals/solutions and comfortable with presenting and pitching to multiple stakeholders
* Experience with AI and other modern technology
* 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
* Lunchtime Team Surfs
* Opportunities for personal/career development
* Great work culture and annual program
* Industry merchandise discounts
* Dynamic team environment
* Domestic Travel opportunities
* Networking opportunities and ability to attend selected 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 Head of Participation & Community for any questions you have throughout the application period.
Closing date for applications Sunday 14th of September 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.