Head of Inclusion

Rugby Australia, Moore Park

Rugby Australia (Rugby AU) the governing body of Rugby Union in Australia, is looking for an experienced Head of Inclusion, to be responsible for all external facing community engagement Inclusion initiatives as well as internal organizational development initiatives. This role will act as a subject matter expert for Rugby Australia and our affiliates and strive to diversify Rugby to ensure it reflects the communities in which we live.

The role will develop an overarching Inclusion Framework that will include but not be limited to Strategy, Policies, Procedures and Resources. It will also liaise with and build long term relationships with key stakeholders such as Rugby Clubs, Associations, Member Unions, Government, Commercial Partners, and other Rugby organisations.

In addition, the role will be responsible for leading all of Rugby AU’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Key responsibilities for this role:

Strategy

  • Refresh the Rugby Australia Inclusion Framework and launch the new Inclusion Strategy.
  • Build influential and long-term partnerships with a range of external government stakeholders, community organizations, Rugby bodies, and not-for-profits that enhance the strategic goals of Rugby AU in the diversity and inclusion sphere.
  • Work with other major professional sports in Australia to identify joint opportunities for engagement across all diversity and inclusion pillars.
  • With the First Nations Rugby Committee, lead the facilitation, creation, and implementation of strategies to increase Rugby participation among First Nation peoples.
  • Work with our community partners: Disability Sports Australia/Wheelchair Rugby Australia, Deaf Rugby Australia, and Ginger Cloud (Modified Rugby Program) to grow Rugby in their selected areas of focus.
  • Manage the partnership with Pride in Sport and jointly develop an action plan to make Rugby more inclusive for LGBTIQ participants.
  • Manage Rugby AU’s partnership with Champions of Change.
  • Develop and implement new sport for development programs targeted at non-traditional Rugby demographics.
  • Develop and implement sport for development programs to support Pasifika participants within Australia.

Operations

  • Work with Member Unions on the delivery of key diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • Lead cultural awareness and understanding across Rugby AU, supporting Member Unions and affiliates, clubs, and competitions.
  • Act as a secretariat to the First Nations Rugby Committee (FNRC).
  • Proactively work across the Community Rugby Department to achieve collective goals.
  • Effectively manage the financial position of the team. Manage and monitor budget by tracking and approving expenditures (within delegated authority), control costs, validate expenses and anticipate and correct forecasting errors.

People Management

  • Foster a working environment that inspires the team to succeed. Motivate and manage to ensure a committed and professional team.
  • Provide appropriate timely performance feedback to employees (critically constructive).

Marketing/Communications

  • Assist in the development of campaigns, publications, presentations, and online media communication that drive participation in rugby and highlight diversity and inclusivity.

Commercial

  • Assist in the unlocking of new and diverse revenue streams.
  • Assist in the development of a strong and engaged portfolio of sponsors and other financial partners committed to long-term investment.
  • Develop and expand non-commercial partners’ (governments, international agencies) investment.

Corporate Social Responsibility

  • Act as the subject matter expert and internal and external leader responsible for helping Rugby AU to make progress in its outgoing commitment to become more socially responsible organisation.

To be successful, you will need:

  • Education and/or qualifications relevant to diversity and inclusion.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with proven experience and strong negotiation skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to resolve sensitive and critical issues internally and externally at a senior level.
  • Demonstrated ability to think, plan and mobilise others to act strategically.
  • Ability to initiate, monitor and review projects and activities in line with organizational plans.
  • Ability to be a subject matter expert on current trends within diversity and inclusion topics
  • Extensive experience in partnership management, working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, cross cultural communication, and financial and project management.
  • Experience in the strategic planning process.
  • Experience in communicating, listening, and seeking input from others.
  • Previous experience working in government or in a government relations role preferred
  • Demonstrated experience in working with community, sporting, government, not-for-profits on D&I initiatives.

Desired

  • Post Graduate Qualifications.
  • Experience in Rugby and/or Sport, particularly at the grass roots or customer level.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter supporting your application to Rachel.Buckling@rugby.com.au. Applications close 31st October 2022.