Head of Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement

Join the NSW Institute of Sport – Where exceptional people create exceptional performance

 

About the role

Lead the strategic direction and delivery of Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement (AW&E) at NSWIS, shaping programs and services that empower athletes to thrive both in sport and life.

As Head of AW&E you will provide leadership to the NSWIS AW&E team, driving the ongoing development, implementation and evaluation of NSWIS’s Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement framework. You will champion athlete wellbeing, personal development and holistic support as critical drivers of sustainable high performance.

Working closely with the Executive and High Performance Senior Leadership Team, you will provide expert advice and influence organisational strategy, ensuring athlete wellbeing is embedded across decision-making, performance planning and athlete development initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the athlete experience and contribute to the long-term success of NSWIS athletes and programs.

 

This is a full time position, attracting an annual salary of $141,777 plus superannuation.  The contract period for this role is up to 31 December 2028 in line with the Olympic cycle. 

This position requires a Working with Children Check.

For further information about the role and the key accountabilities please see the job description.

 

About you

You will bring to our team:

  • Demonstrated experience in athlete wellbeing, career development, education, and holistic athlete development within high performance sport.
  • Strong understanding of the Australian high performance sport system and contemporary issues impacting athlete wellbeing, mental health, and performance.
  • Proven ability to lead and influence within multidisciplinary high performance environments, working effectively with athletes, coaches, and performance support practitioners.
  • Experience designing and delivering individualised athlete support plans, including case management, referral pathways, and wellbeing interventions.
  • Highly developed stakeholder engagement, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to build and maintain partnerships.
  • Experience developing and implementing athlete wellbeing and engagement programs, initiatives, and service models that deliver measurable outcomes.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and evidence-informed practice in athlete wellbeing and engagement.
  • Experience in establishing, maintaining, broadening, and leveraging connections with relevant service industry networks
  • Demonstrated experience providing transition support and solutions to athletes or other individuals
  • Experience managing triage processes to ensure appropriate care and referral.

Essential Requirements

  • Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in Education, Career Guidance, Personal Development, social work, sports management or similar.
  • 6+ years’ experience in the provision and application of career, education, counselling, and professional /personal development services for improved performance
  • Demonstrated experience working within a multi-disciplinary team within a high performance environment.
  • Experience in managing, leading, and developing people to achieve performance outcomes

 

Applying for the role

To apply for this role please submit:

  1. A cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements and focus capabilities in the job description for the role (maximum 1 page)
  2. An up to date CV outlining experience, qualifications and achievements (please include at least two referees)

If you would like to enquire about the role contact Alex Natera at alex.natera@nswis.com.au.

To apply complete your application via the recruitment portal by 23:59 on 11th October 2026. Only those applications which address the selection criteria and focus capabilities will be considered by the Selection Panel.

 

Working at NSWIS

The NSW Institute of Sport [NSWIS] is a high performance sporting organisation that supports exceptional athletes and inspires NSW communities.  We reach all regions of NSW with an Olympic and Paralympic training facility based at Sydney Olympic Park and high performance hubs across NSW that provide world leading daily training environments. Our experts work in collaboration with national sporting system partners to deliver high performance support services and environments to prepare athletes and coaches for international competition. 

NSWIS plays an integral part in Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy – Win Well.  We are committed to building an inclusive and sustainable sporting system that is athlete focused, exceptionally led and purposefully collaborative. 

We ensure athlete safeguarding is prioritised and that the integrity of sport is embedded in our organisation.  

This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles that may arise over the next 18 months.

For more information about the NSW Institute of Sport please visit www.nswis.com.au.

 

NSWIS is committed child safeguarding. We require all applicants that will work with Children to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

 

Commitment to Diversity

The NSW Institute of Sport is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce which reflects our community, sport partners and athletes. We encourage applications from suitable candidates including; of all ages, genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, veterans, refugees, LGBTIQ+ community and people with disability.

 

The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) recognises everyone is unique, and that you may require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply. If we can make some adjustments to the NSWIS recruitment/interview process, then please email nswis_recruitment@nswis.com.auand let us know.

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