Chief Executive Officer - Water Polo ACT Inc.

Chief Executive Officer - Water Polo ACT Inc.

Who is WPACT? 

Water Polo ACT is the state/ territory association overseeing water polo in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). WPACT is an affiliated association of Water Polo Australia (WPA) and we work in partnership to develop the sport within Canberra and the surrounding region. WPA is the national governing bodies for water polo sport in Australia. WPA is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian Olympic Committee and World Aquatics through Swimming Australia Ltd. WPA is a not-for-profit sporting organisation and the governing body of water polo in Australia.

Position Purpose

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the principal executive of WPACT and is responsible for delivering on the strategic and operational direction set by the Board. The CEO leads and manages the organisation to ensure its sustainability, relevance, and impact across the water polo community in the ACT and the surrounding region. The role requires a balance of visionary leadership and hands-on operational management, with particular focus on organisational development, stakeholder engagement and advocacy, financial performance, and participation growth. The role is part time with flexible hours to be determined in conversation with the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead the implementation of WPACT’s Strategic Plan in alignment with the Board’s direction.
  
• Provide strategic advice and policy recommendations to the Board.
  
• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities through timely and accurate reporting, including risk management and compliance matters.
  
• Monitor trends and emerging opportunities relevant to the sport and proactively position the organisation for growth and sustainability.
  

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of programs, competitions, events, and services.
  
• Lead and develop a high-performing team and foster a positive, collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
  
• Ensure adherence to organisational policies, procedures, and standards.
  

Financial and Commercial Oversight

• Prepare and manage the organisation’s annual budget in accordance with strategic priorities and fiscal responsibility.
  
• Maintain oversight of financial systems, compliance, and reporting obligations.
  
• Drive revenue diversification through sponsorship, commercial partnerships, grant funding, and new business opportunities.
  

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including member clubs, Water Polo Australia, government agencies, sponsors and commercial partners, community groups and volunteers.
  
• Represent WPACT at relevant forums, stakeholder meetings, and public events.
  
• Champion a member-centric culture that fosters transparency, consultation, and responsiveness.
  

Sport Development and Participation Growth

• Oversee the design and delivery of participation and pathway programs for athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers across all ages, genders, and regions.
  
• Ensure alignment with national development frameworks and performance pathways where applicable.
  
• Support initiatives to drive regional engagement and access to the sport.
  

Marketing, Communications and Brand

• Oversee the development and execution of communication and marketing strategies to promote WPACT and its programs.
  
• Build the organisation’s public profile and position the brand to attract stakeholders, funding, and participants.
  
• Oversee media, digital, and community engagement efforts.
  

Workplace Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment aligned with employment legislation and best practice.
  
• Comply with all legal, governance, financial, child safety and sporting integrity obligations.
  
• Lead a culture of risk awareness, mitigation, and continuous improvement.
  

Key Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• Proven experience as an CEO or in a senior executive role with full organisational responsibility.
  
• Demonstrated success in leading strategic and operational planning and delivering measurable organisational outcomes.
  
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budget management and revenue development.
  
• High-level communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  
• Understanding and appreciation of the community sport sector and its dynamics.
  
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
  
• You are a motivated, proactive individual, with a hands on approach to delivering results while leveraging a small team.
  
• Current Working With Children Check (or ability to obtain).
  
• Current Driver’s Licence.
  

Desirable

• Track record of leading high-performing teams and fostering inclusive workplace culture.
  
• Knowledge of good governance practices and experience supporting a Board of Directors
  
• Tertiary qualifications in business, sport management, leadership or a related field.
  
• Experience in sport development, program delivery, or high-performance sport pathways.
  

Application Process

Click the ‘Apply’ button, review the position description, follow the prompts, and submit your application.

Applications should consist of a CV/Resume and a maximum 2-page pitch which addresses key responsibilities and skills.

Applications are to be sent via email to Alexander Kuzis (ceo@waterpoloact.com).

Applications will close at 5:00PM Friday 17 October 2025.

Other Articles

This content requires a valid
membership to access

Published September 7, 2025

Association Excellence Awards: More Than Just a Gala Night

It’s the Gala Awards night – but are your awards truly valued by most of your members?

Read more

This content requires a valid
membership to access

Published July 30, 2025

Stop the Membership Churn: A Smarter Way to Build Loyalty

Most association leaders face a persistent challenge: growing and retaining members. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of members who join for a year, drop off, and then rejoin two years later. While this cycle may seem harmless, it carries hidden costs—such as staff time, marketing expenses, onboarding resources, and software overhead—that can quietly drain your association’s budget.

Read more

This content requires a valid
membership to access

Published July 29, 2025

Is Your Association or NFP Performing at Its Best? Here’s How to Find Out.

Running an association or not-for-profit (NFP) is no small feat. Whether you're leading a professional body, a community group, or a national peak organisation, one question always lingers:

“How do we know we’re doing well?”

It’s a fair question—and an important one.

Read more