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:
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Translate Paddle Forward 32 into action — ensuring our operational plans and resources deliver on bold targets for participation,
performance, sustainability and community impact.
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Lead the ‘Leadership & Services’ Pillar, optimising finance, HR, governance, technology, member services and innovation across the
organisation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
