Sports Development Officer

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Sports Development Officer to grow tennis participation, strengthen our club, school and community partnerships, and coordinate programs that support long-term player development. Reporting to the Director, you will increase access to ML Tennis programs and improve the quality, coordination and performance of our participation and development programs. This is a full-time role based in Melbourne.

About ML Tennis

We are one of Australia's leading tennis coaching providers and a recognised Tennis Australia National Talent Hub. We deliver programs through clubs, schools and community partnerships across Melbourne, supporting children, juniors and adults, from introduction to competitive player development. Our values are Vision, Respect, Accountability, Resilience and Continuous Improvement, and they are reflected in all our programs and operations.

What you'll do

• Assess participation trends, community needs and feedback to identify opportunities to develop tennis programs
• Plan, implement and evaluate school, club and community tennis initiatives that increase participation
• Develop partnerships with tennis clubs, schools, Tennis Australia, sporting bodies, councils and community organisations
• Improve access to tennis for participants of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
• Coordinate school clinics, grassroots programs, holiday programs, development camps and community tennis events
• Support clear pathways between introductory tennis, club programs and competitive play
• Coordinate program schedules, venues, equipment and staffing in consultation with the Director and coaching team
• Provide guidance, resources and practical support to coaches and staff delivering participation and development programs
• Deliver coaching clinics and development activities
• Assist with talent identification activities and connect participants with appropriate development opportunities
• Prepare program budgets, monitor expenditure and assist with funding applications
• Maintain participation records and prepare reports on enrolments, retention, participant feedback and program outcomes
• Promote programs and communicate effectively with families, schools and partner organisations
• Apply child safeguarding, workplace safety and risk management procedures across programs and events

About you

• A relevant qualification in sports development, sports and recreation, sports management, or sports coaching and administration, or at least three years of relevant experience demonstrating equivalent skills
• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating and evaluating sports participation or development programs
• Knowledge of tennis participation pathways and long-term player development
• Experience working with clubs, schools, community organisations or sporting bodies
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, and the ability to work effectively with children, parents, coaches and stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and experience coordinating schedules, resources, budgets and program records
• A commitment to inclusivity, child safety and professional conduct
• A current Victorian Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain one before starting work
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain it before starting work
• Capacity to travel between ML Tennis venues and partner schools
• Availability that may include early mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and school holidays

Desirable

• Tennis Australia coaching accreditation, membership or a recognised equivalent
• Experience developing school tennis programs and community partnerships
• Experience preparing funding applications and reporting on funded programs
• Experience supporting coaches, teachers or volunteers through training and professional development

What we offer

• A full-time position contributing to the growth and development of tennis across all ML Tennis programs
• Salary plus superannuation
• A Wilson team package
• Opportunities for professional development and collaboration with an experienced coaching team
• Direct involvement in developing school, club and community tennis initiatives

How to apply

Apply using the form on this page with your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience and examples of sports participation or development programs you have coordinated. Please include two professional references. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we invite you to apply now.