Sunshine Coast Rugby Union is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to provide visionary leadership for our organisation. This key position will oversee our competitions, program delivery, partnership development, volunteer management, and organisational growth. Guided by the Board's strategic direction, the successful candidate will drive operational excellence while ensuring Sunshine Coast Rugby Union continues to thrive as a progressive and inclusive sporting body.

ABOUT SUNSHINE COAST RUGBY UNION

Based one hour north of Brisbane, Sunshine Coast Rugby Union operates as a sub-union of Queensland Rugby Union. We are recognised for delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality rugby experiences across junior, senior, school, and representative pathways. Our approach to rugby development extends beyond geographic boundaries, focusing on competition excellence and community engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Direction & Governance

Provide expert guidance to the Board on strategic initiatives, operational matters, and governance best practices

Execute our strategic plan, ensuring alignment with organisational values and community needs

Attend and contribute to regular Board meetings and relevant sub-committee meetings

Oversee risk management and policy frameworks to maintain compliance with Rugby Australia, Queensland Rugby Union, and local government regulations

Develop and implement annual business plans with clear performance indicators

Monitor and report on performance against approved business plans, providing monthly KPI updates to the Board

Lead and coordinate casual staff to support organisational objectives

Competition Management

Direct the planning and delivery of junior and senior competition operations

Support school rugby with administrative oversight

Collaborate with the Director of Coaching on Stingrays representative pathway programs

Coordinate with sub-union directors and Queensland Country to strengthen development frameworks

Manage critical operational elements including complex draw building, venues, referee allocation, digital content, and match day logistics

Commercial & Marketing Development

Create and implement a robust commercial strategy to diversify revenue streams

Cultivate valuable relationships with sponsors and funding bodies, ensuring mutual benefit

Oversee brand management, communications, and digital engagement strategies

Guide marketing initiatives to expand community awareness and participation through appropriate providers

Financial Leadership

Collaborate with Treasurer and Board on budget development and financial planning

Manage financial operations including profit and loss tracking, reporting, and grant administration

Ensure adherence to non-profit financial compliance and reporting obligations

Deliver transparent financial updates to the Board on a regular basis

Stakeholder Relations

Serve as the primary liaison with all key stakeholders, including:

Member clubs and associations

Players, families, and volunteers

Local governments (Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council)

Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia

Sunshine Coast Referees Association

Queensland Country Rugby

Educational institutions and media partners

Develop effective communication frameworks to keep members informed and engaged

Build collaborative relationships with clubs to create alignment on competition delivery

Organisational Culture

Lead operations staff, referees, coaches, and volunteers with clear direction

Implement structured approaches to role clarity, performance management, and professional development

Create an inclusive, collaborative work environment that emphasises excellence

Recognise and nurture volunteer contributions to build a strong sense of community pride

SELECTION CRITERIA

When applying for the General Manager position at Sunshine Coast Rugby Union, please address each of the following selection criteria in your application. For each criterion, provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your capabilities in these areas.

Essential Criteria

1. Rugby Program Management Describe your experience in managing rugby programs, competitions, or high-performance units, including your role, responsibilities, and key achievements.

2. Leadership and Vision Provide examples of how you have brought people together behind a shared vision, particularly in a sporting context.

3. Rugby Pathways Knowledge Outline your understanding of rugby pathways, competition structures, and governance frameworks, and how you have applied this knowledge in previous roles.

4. Strategic Planning Detail your experience in developing and executing strategic plans that have advanced organisational objectives, including specific outcomes achieved.

5. Organisational and Financial Management Demonstrate your organisational abilities and financial management experience, including budget oversight and resource allocation.

6. Stakeholder Engagement Explain your approach to stakeholder engagement, providing examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with diverse groups within a sporting environment.

7. Passion for Rugby Development Share your commitment to rugby development and how you have contributed to growing the game at various levels.

Desirable Criteria

8. Rugby Environment Experience Describe any experience you have within professional, semi-professional, or advanced amateur rugby environments.

9. Relevant Qualifications List any tertiary qualifications in sports management, business administration, or related fields.

10. Local Knowledge Outline your knowledge of the Sunshine Coast sporting landscape and community networks, if applicable.

11. Commercial Partnership Experience Detail your experience in developing commercial partnerships and securing sponsorship.

12. Digital and Technology Skills Outline your experience with digital marketing and sports technology systems.

Response Format Guidelines

Address each criterion separately with clear headings

Use the STAR method for your responses:

Situation: Briefly describe the context, Task: Explain your specific responsibility, Action: Detail the steps you took, Result: Share the outcomes achieved

Be concise but comprehensive (approximately 150-250 words per criterion)

Provide specific examples rather than general statements

Include measurable results where possible

Your ability to clearly address these criteria will be a key factor in the selection process.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit the following:

Comprehensive Resume: Highlighting your relevant experience in rugby administration, sports management, and leadership roles.

Selection Criteria Response: A separate document that specifically addresses each of the Essential and Desirable selection criteria listed above.

Cover Letter: Outlining your vision for Sunshine Coast Rugby Union and why you are passionate about this opportunity (maximum 2 pages).

Contact Details: Information for two professional referees who can speak to your capabilities relative to this position.

Sunshine Coast Rugby Union is committed to developing rugby at all levels and providing an inclusive environment that values diversity and equal opportunity.

Key Details

Location: Kawana, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Position type: Full-time (or negotiated contract arrangement)

Start date: 4 August 2025

Applications close: 30th May 2025

Salary: $90,000 per annum plus superannuation + car