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Chief Operating Officer - Paddle Australia

Be a Force Behind Paddle Forward 32.

Paddle Australia is creating a true home for paddlesports.

Through our bold Paddle Forward 32 strategy, we are creating a dynamic and thriving paddling ecosystem — one that inspires participation at every level, across every discipline, delivers world‑class high‑performance programs, and embeds paddling deeply into Australia’s lifestyle and culture.

To help make this vision a reality, we’re looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) with the drive and capability to turn big ambitions into operational excellence.

Your Mission

As COO, you will:

  • Translate Paddle Forward 32 into action — ensuring our operational plans and resources deliver on bold targets for participation, performance, sustainability and community impact.
  • Lead the ‘Leadership & Services’ Pillar, optimising finance, HR, governance, technology, member services and innovation across the organisation.
  • Partner with the CEO, Board and Executive Team to sharpen strategy, drive cross‑pillar collaboration and achieve our vision of a dynamic and thriving paddling ecosystem.
  • Act as second‑in‑charge to the CEO, representing PA nationally and internationally, and supporting critical projects including Legacy Impact, DEI and Sustainability plans.

What You Bring

  • Proven experience in a senior leadership role within sport, not‑for‑profit or similarly complex environments.
  • A proven record in operational leadership, financial management and organisational transformation.
  • Experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams and embedding culture, systems and processes that deliver.
  • The ability to engage stakeholders from members, lifestyle paddlers to commercial and federal partners — always with transparency and collaboration.
  • Passion for sport, community and leaving a legacy.

Why Paddle Australia?

  • Be at the heart of a movement — Paddle Forward 32 is a once‑in‑a‑generation plan to grow paddling as both sport and lifestyle.
  • Make an impact and contribution to ensure we play to our strength which is working in unity with our State Paddle Association member organisations to create a community that harnesses the experience and expertise from every corner of Australia.
  • Work with inspiring people across a vibrant paddling community.
  • Join one of Australia’s Olympic/ Paralympic powerhouses!

Location

  • Ideally Gold Coast, QLD but open to discussion.

How to Apply

Click Apply, follow the prompts, and submit your application.

Applications close 11:59pm AEST, Sunday 17 August 2025.

If you don’t meet every single requirement but feel this role could be right for you — we still want to hear from you. We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

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