Head of Government Relations and Stakeholder Communications
Netball Australia (NA) is the driving force behind netball in Australia, shaping the game from grassroots to greatness. As a proud member of World Netball (WN), NA oversees national teams, the elite Suncorp Super Netball league, and fosters the sport at every level—from local courts to the global stage.
For nearly 100 years, NA has led, inspired, and supported a myriad of opportunities for thousands of communities and millions of Australians to play, deliver, watch, and ultimately love our sport.
With over 8.2 million Australians interested in netball, and over 4 million considered to be core fans of Suncorp Super Netball, our game is in great shape with the incredible success of our elite competitions propelling strong participation and fanbase growth domestically and globally.
We are rightly proud of our heritage, our standing, and our successes. Few teams in any sport, and even fewer organisations in any industry, enjoy the position and the positive pressure of being No. 1 in the World You will be joining a team of passionate individuals who take pride in their skills, love what they do and thoroughly enjoy being part of making Netball one of the most loved sports in Australia.
On the cusp of our centenary, and significant opportunity leading into the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, there has never been a more exciting time to join.
About the Role
This exciting position will be responsible for developing and implementing a whole of sport Government Relations program, with specific focus on the opportunities related to the Netball World Cup in Sydney in 2027 and development and implementation of a whole of sport communications program, focused on key stakeholders within and ancillary to the netball ecosystem. This is a full-time opportunity working on a fixed-term basis through to December 2027.
The position incumbent will have responsibility for:
Government Relations
* Develop a comprehensive and holistic Government Relations program for Netball Australia that boosts Netball Australia's reputation and strengthens opportunities for new investment
* Provide the Netball Australia's Board and Management with timely and relevant advice to support effective advocacy and engagement with key Federal and State Government Ministers and Departments
* Develop and manage the relationship with key Federal and State Government parties with respect to the delivery of the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney
* Provide relevant support to MOs and SSN Clubs for advocacy to and engagement with Government at all levels
* Manage Government funding relationships, including pursuing opportunities for additional partnerships and ensuring NA meets all funding and reporting obligations
* Work with internal stakeholders to establish, maintain and enrich a government data repository – including a national infrastructure register
Communications
* Implement the newly built Netball Australia communications framework
* Lead the internal communications program of work at Netball Australia and manage communications approach for NA staff, MOs, and SSN clubs
* Create and implement communication bespoke strategies to effectively communicate messages to NA employees, enhancing overall communication across the business
* Where required, consult within the business to understand communication needs, gaps, and roadblocks, assessing the effectiveness of communication efforts and making necessary improvements
* Oversee communication platforms such as the NA intranet and other channels to circulate information efficiently
* Work closely with NA's leadership team, People & Culture, and other departments to ensure consistent messaging across communication channels
* Streamline processes for announcements, and updates ensuring alignment to NA's strategic objectives
* Contribute to building a well-informed and highly engaged workforce
Netball World Cup 2027
* Lead and support in the communications and government relations planning, development and reporting for the NWC2027 event, including the Legacy program.
* Manage all NWC2027 contracting, reporting and engagement with INF and Government partners.
About You
Key Attributes, Skills and Qualifications:
* Alignment to our DNA - Belong, Be Bold, Be Your Best
* At least 10 years' proven experience in a corporate affairs or similar role
* Experience in politics/government or extensive experience in advocating to governments.
* A proven track record of implementing and delivering an internal communications strategy
* Experience advocating and achieving financial and in-kind government support
* Demonstrated knowledge of the Australian sport sector, with an understanding of sport politics and capability to engage with the relevant sector resources to achieve outcomes
* An ability to make complex decisions autonomously within legislation, regulations, organisational strategies and corporate policies and procedures
* Have an appreciation and understanding of the Australian Federal, State and Territory political environment.
* Excellent communication, both written and verbal, that underpin influence with staff, key stakeholders and the netball community
* Ability to manage concurrent complex tasks
* Exceptional work ethic including the ability to multi-task, prioritise work commitments and deadlines, whilst maintaining a close attention to detail
* An understanding and passion for netball, and the community participation within the sport
* Experience working within an organisation that has a high public profile or that is highly regulated
What We Offer
* Vibrant Culture: A supportive, inclusive, high-energy, and values-driven team with a passion for our sport
* Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work from home alongside office connection days, based on role requirements.
* Employee Wellbeing: Additional Wellbeing Leave, Annual Flu Vaccinations & Mole Checks, Paid Parental Leave, Fertility Leave, Birthday Leave (because who wants to work on their birthday)
* Up to 40% off New Balance, opportunity to attend SSN Games, and access to NFP Salary Sacrificing
* Pets in the Office Fridays, and free breakfast on-site
The role is based at Netball's Head Office in Fitzroy/Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung country where you will be spoilt for choice on great coffee spots Given the unique nature of the sports industry, and the domestic & global reach of our organisation, travelling and working outside of Netball HQ and traditional office hours may be required. Our teams work flexibly, and we encourage the successful applicant to discuss flexible working options with their new Manager.
Please note that we reserve the right to shortlist and interview great candidates as they are identified so If this role sounds like you, and we hope it does – please submit your application as soon as possible. We do not take for granted the high volume of applications we receive, but please be aware this means we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. Our recruitment process consists of a phone screening, two rounds of interviews, (virtual and in person) along with professional reference checks, and we'll be here to guide you through the entire process
Netball Australia takes our Safeguarding responsibilities seriously and we provide an environment that is safe for our child and adult beneficiaries. All successful candidates will undergo a criminal record and Working with Children check prior to employment and must be able to hold valid checks at all times throughout their employment. We provide our staff and volunteers with ongoing supervision, support and training in their work with child and adult beneficiaries. We have a collaborative, supportive and diverse culture and promote the continued development of our team members We believe your religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification or culture do not define you nor impact your application or employment with Netball Australia. We are a sport for all people across the community and take pride in providing a diverse, inclusive and safe environment for all.
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