Background

Australian Sailing is the national governing body to advance, promote, administer and grow the sport of sailing. Through advocacy and partnerships with government and industry; Australian Sailing works to achieve support for programs and activities for the benefit of the sport. We provide leadership to maintain and enhance standards and enrich the quality and reputation of sailing for the collective and mutual benefit of Members, Associates and Participants. Australian Sailing represents the interests of Australian Sailing as a member of World Sailing, the Australian Olympic Committee and Australian Paralympic Committee. 

Our Purpose

To grow sailing by leading, inspiring and supporting sailors and their communities.

Our People

The future of Australian Sailing lies in our people. We will proactively attract, train, support and retain people who love Sailing and are committed to achieving our purpose.

Our Culture

Our values define our character and guide how we behave as we collectively do what is right for Sailing.

• Respect - We value each other’s experience and knowledge.
• Integrity - We act honestly and take responsibility.
• Teamwork - We work as one crew to help each other perform.
• Excellence - We exceed expectations and strive for the best.

Our Strategic Pillars

• Support - An enhanced Sailing delivery system delivering positive and rewarding Sailing experiences.
• Grow - More people on the water, in more ways, more often.
• Win - #1 Olympic Sailing nation in the world, uniting and inspiring Australia.

Our Strategic Foundations

• Future Focus - Our cultural, governance and integrity, operating and financial frameworks are best practice and perfectly placed to support our organisation and Sailing's delivery system into the future.
• Diversity & Inclusion - Sailing is a great way to show how diverse and inclusive we can be as a nation. We want to see Sailing reflecting our communities. Inclusive sport = inclusive communities, and Sailing is part of this.
• Environmental Sustainability - With the ocean, lakes and rivers as our playground, Sailing and the environment are intrinsically connected. We play an active role in ensuring all Australians have clean and safe waterways on which to sail.
• Innovation - We are open to new ideas and will continually challenge our assumptions to improve the way we operate.
• Safety - We promote a Sailing safety culture.
• Partnerships - We positively partner with all elements of the Australian Sailing community for the benefit of Sailing.

Child Safety

Australian Sailing is committed to protecting children from harm. We require all applicants that will work with children to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Australian Sailing, a diverse and inclusive workplace is one where all employees, contractors, and volunteers feel valued and respected. We are committed to a non-discriminatory approach and providing equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

We’re committed to modelling diversity and inclusion inside the organisation and to the sailing community of Australia, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

The Role

As a member of the Australian Sailing (AS) Performance Support team, the Physical Preparation Lead will drive holistic athlete development to positively impact training and performance.

The Physical Preparation Lead will assist Australian Sailing to achieve its targets by:

• Leading the physical preparation of Australian Sailing Team (AST) athletes in close partnership with National Coaches and the wider Performance Support team, ensuring an integrated approach that aligns with the specific needs of each national squad and campaign. This role focuses on enhancing the specificity of physical preparation for each class by working collaboratively with National Coaches to optimally prepare athletes for the 2028, and 2032 Olympic Games.
• Working collaboratively with the National Institute Network (NIN) and NIN practitioners to deliver the physical preparation strategy from Performance Pathway to AST.

Principle Accountabilities

In preparation for the 2028 & 2032 Olympic Games the Physical Preparation Lead will:

• Develop and reinforce strong working relationships with key stakeholders to deliver impactful interventions.
• Undertake a collaborative, athlete-centred case management approach to ensure priority athletes are maximising their availability to train and compete.
• Work with performance support staff and AS National Coaches to design and deliver world class physical preparation technical expertise, systems and support to athletes and coaches across the High Performance (HP) sailing system. This includes:
  • Working closely with Coaches in developing a strong understanding of the physiological demands of a complex sport, including integration of class specific physical preparation into squad and individual campaign plans.
  • Contributing to the AS Performance Support Team to develop independent, robust and resilient athletes in preparation for international regattas.
  • Fostering a domestic Daily Performance Environment (DPE) at the National Training Centre (NTC) and other domestic and international training environments to enhance training ethic and excellence.
  • Overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of the NTC gym facility, ensuring a safe, well-equipped, and high performance training environment for athletes, staff, and approved users.
  • Continuing to increase the training capacity (on and off the water) with the aim of increasing athlete availability.
  • Collaborating with National Squad Coaches and Performance Support Team to periodise and monitor on and off water training load.
  • Working closely with other members of the AS Performance Support Team to design and deliver integrated injury management and prevention programs.
  • Facilitating management and full return to performance following injury or illness with the performance support team utilising AS Medical Management and Return to Sport guidelines.
  • Implementing support specific to the Olympic Team in the Olympic year.
  • Coordinating the implementation of the AS National Physical Testing and Class-by-Class Training Guidelines across the (NIN).
  • Developing and maintaining a strong relationship with State Sailing Pathway Programs (SSPP) to deliver shared objectives, including a smooth transition of athletes between SSPP and the AST.
  • Overseeing the physical preparation program for SSPP, including management of the National Sailing Network of Physical Preparation providers (including Strength & Conditioning and Physiology practitioners).
  • Participating in AS performance support initiatives including Low Energy Availability (LEA) and female athlete health and performance projects.
• Ensure effective communication with performance support teams, athletes and coaches throughout the HP program.
• Consistently uphold Australian Sailing corporate and Australian Sailing Team values and behaviours.
• Commitment to professional and self-improvement initiatives.

Key Relationships

Develop and manage strong working relationships with all key internal and external stakeholders to maximise the opportunities to enhance physical preparation and performance. 

Research 

As directed by the AST, applied research may be conducted in collaboration with National Squad Athletes/Coaches, HP Management Team, University partnerships and the AIS to bring physical preparation and performance support innovations into the sport. 

Attribute

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:

• Honours or Masters degree in Exercise, Health, Sport Science or related field specialising in the area of Physical Development.
• Extensive experience leading the physical preparation and development of elite athletes in multiple sports/environments.
• Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Professional Coach Accreditation.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build and manage professional relationships with Coaches, Athletes and Management.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development.
• Experience in driving innovation and change in a complex environment.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills. 

Desirable:

• Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Accredited Sports Scientist (ASpS) Minimum Level 1.
• International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) Level 1.
• Knowledge of the physical demands of Sailing, or a willingness to rapidly learn.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated commitment, drive, and initiative, with the ability to work independently and inter­dependently as a productive coordinator.
• Demonstrated capacity to cooperate and work well with others in a cross-functional environment to pursue team goals, share information, support others, show consideration and respect for alternate ideas and solutions.
• Ability to communicate and influence a range of stakeholders such as athletes, coaches, administrators and performance support practitioners.
• In representing Australian Sailing and the Australian Sailing Team, the Physical Preparation Lead will display characteristics such as reliability, punctuality, courtesy and will be well presented at all times.

Key Performance Indicators

Annual key performance measures will be generated in collaboration with the Performance Support Team Manager and reviewed yearly as part the position’s annual review process. 

Your Application

To apply, please email CV and cover letter addressing the position attributes to careers@sailing.org.au For more information regarding this position, please contact Iain Brambell, High Performance Director iain.brambell@sailing.org.au  or 0413 668 055.

Closing Date - 31 March 2025