Join
AES
Join
AES
Contact
Us
Contact
Us
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:
What You Bring
Why Paddle Australia?
Location
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.
The association sector is in the middle of a leadership handover.
Across Australia and New Zealand, CEOs and Executive Directors are moving on. Some are retiring. Some have gone to larger organisations.
Some have left because the relationship with their Board ran out of puff. The reasons vary, but the movement is noticeable, and Boards are
appointing replacements.
The encouraging part is the calibre of the people coming in. Many are genuinely well suited to the job — capable executives with strong
records behind them. A good number are stepping into an association CEO role for the first time.
Most associations can provide a long list of membership benefits. They may include professional development, advocacy, networking, industry information, events, resources, accreditation, discounts and access to specialist advice. However, a list of benefits does not necessarily explain why someone makes the decision to join.
While every Board is different, the same governance issues appear time and again. One of the most common is allowing one person’s behaviour
to dominate the Board table.
Almost every Board has experienced it at some point. One director who seems to consume more time and energy than everyone else combined.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
