At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance participation and transform lifesaving sport.
- Company: Life Saving Victoria, a community-focused organisation dedicated to water safety.
- Benefits: Hybrid work options, competitive salary, and a commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while driving change in lifesaving sports.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in sport and proven change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 $ per year.
Life Saving Victoria is Victoria's peak water safety and lifesaving organisation built on the proud traditions and programs of our founding organisations, the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia. Lifesaving has been an integral part of the Victorian way of life since 1904. Today LSV is a multifaceted volunteer-based community organisation with a focus on public safety and community wellbeing. Our volunteers, members, employees and partners work together with communities, educational institutions, government agencies, businesses and the broader aquatic industry, to save lives and empower communities to safely enjoy water.
About the role:
This is a full time, fixed-term position (2 years) based at our Port Melbourne office, with hybrid working arrangements. As the Senior Manager – Sport, Participation and Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership across lifesaving sport, participation and organisational transformation at LSV. You will lead the implementation of the LSV Sport Strategy, driving meaningful change to strengthen participation, improve competition delivery, enhance workforce sustainability and support the long-term financial sustainability of lifesaving sport.
Additionally, you will:
- Lead the Sport, Participation and Transformation function, driving strategy, performance, participation growth and operational excellence across the portfolio.
- Deliver significant sport and competition reform initiatives, improving event delivery models, workforce practices, service standards and stakeholder outcomes.
- Lead participation and growth strategies that strengthen retention, accessibility, progression pathways and member engagement across the lifesaving movement.
- Champion safety, risk management and operational readiness across the sport portfolio, ensuring high-quality and sustainable event delivery.
- Build strong partnerships with clubs, volunteers, councils, committees and key stakeholders to support successful change and ongoing development.
- Drive financial sustainability through strategic planning, budget management, performance monitoring and initiatives that improve the long-term viability of lifesaving sport.
About you:
You are an experienced and influential leader with a strong background in sport, participation, major events or operational transformation. You are skilled at leading people through change, building stakeholder confidence and delivering strategic outcomes that create lasting impact. You will bring:
- Significant leadership experience in sport, participation, major events, community-based service delivery or a comparable operational environment.
- Demonstrated success leading complex transformation programs and implementing strategic initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.
- Strong experience in change management, stakeholder engagement and navigating complex environments with competing priorities.
- Proven financial and operational management capability, including budgeting, performance monitoring and driving sustainable improvements.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
- A valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check is required (or willingness to obtain).
Applications close Wednesday, 18 November 2026, however we may close this ad earlier if a suitable candidate is identified. LSV is an equal opportunity employer and a place who welcomes all. We encourage people with diverse experiences and backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering a workplace environment which is inclusive, safe, and flexible. All applicants will be considered based on the relevance of their abilities to the role and their alignment with our LSV Values. LSV is committed to providing a welcoming environment where the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our programs, services, activities, events, and the broader community, will always be our first priority.
Senior Manager - Sport, Participation and Transformation in Melbourne employer: Surf Life Saving Victoria
Surf Life Saving Victoria is an exceptional employer that prioritises the safety and well-being of Victorian communities through impactful research and evaluation initiatives. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to professional growth opportunities while working in a collaborative and supportive environment that values evidence-based decision making. Join us in making a meaningful difference in water safety, all while enjoying the unique advantages of working within a dedicated organisation focused on community service.
