General Manager – Eastern Suburbs Football Association
About the Eastern Suburbs Football Association (ESFA):
ESFA is responsible for the management and promotion of football in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. ESFA aims to develop football for the entire community irrespective of age, colour, gender of disability.
ESFA represents the largest active sports community in the Eastern Suburbs with over 10,000 registered players. We promote, manage and regulate the game within our region and aim to enhance, develop and grow the world game of association football at all levels in Australia.
ESFA continues to increase participation in football across the various sections of the game and provide opportunities for all participants, including players, coaches and referees to compete locally, regionally, nationally and on the world stage.
Our Mission:
To be the leading sporting body in the Eastern Suburbs, developing football for all.
• Promote equity – everyone should have access to football, and we should aim to include all who want to play.
• Improve the quality of coaching, players, referees and facilities.
• Build of position in the community to ensure our profile and community standing are commensurate with our numerical strength.
• Grow the game, bring players to our sport.
• Develop alternative funding sources to improve the sustainability of the association while keeping the financial burden on participants manageable.
Our Corporate Values:
• Diversity and Respect
• Support
• Professionalism
• Excellence with integrity
General Manager
The General Manager (GM) represents ESFA overseeing the effective and efficient operations of the business including administration, governance, finance, staff and serving our 24 clubs and over 10,000 registered players to ensure the delivery of the highest quality participation and competition opportunities.
Working closely with the Board, the existing staff, and a highly committed volunteer and stakeholder group, the GM will be a key stakeholder in developing and delivering the strategic and operational plans for ESFA.
The ESFA office has a small complement of staff, so the GM is expected to assist with many of the day-to-day functions of the office and must be willing to get their hands dirty.
To be considered for this position, you will be an experienced operations leader prepared to take ownership of the business, with a strong understanding of the grass roots sports environment and its contribution to the local community. Your business acumen will be matched by your ability to identify and capitalise on opportunities to grow and expand the organisation, including identifying and accessing opportunities to enhance projects and programs through sponsorship, strategic partnerships and grant opportunities.
A successful track record in managing a like sized organisation would be preferable, possibly within sport or a related service/membership-based organisation, using your strategic, financial and commercial acumen to best serve the association and its members. As a dynamic and influential leader, you will be well versed in managing a variety of stakeholders including, ESFA staff, member clubs, volunteers, local Government, Councillors, ESFA Board, Football NSW Staf and Football Australia staff.
A background in, or a passion for football is preferrable however more importantly you will be committed to providing strong foundation for the growth and success of the sport throughout the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
Key Responsibilities
Administration, Operations and Governance
• Provide leadership and support to staff and volunteers with ESFA
• Establish strong working relationships with the Board, Member Clubs, Football NSW, Local and State Government, Councils and all other stakeholders
• Assure the timely lodging and filing of all legal and regulatory documents and monitor compliance with all relevant regulations
• As the Public Officer, carry out all duties as set out within the ESFA Constitution and by the relevant legislation
• Assist the Board to govern the association, including the review of policies and procedures
• Work closely with the ESFA staff and Board Chair on the development of Board papers ensuring distribution of said papers by the agreed timeframes set by the Board.
• Develop and distribute draft minutes of all Board meetings within agreed timeframes
• Report any significant issues affecting the ESFA in a timely manner to the Board
• Ensure appropriate risk management systems are in place and relevant controls are implemented in a timely manner
• Drive the use of performance data across ESFA to better inform decision making
• Perform all other duties as reasonably required by the Board.
Financial Management
• Oversee all aspects of ESFA’s finances with key stakeholders
• Prepare and recommend, in conjunction with our Treasure, the annual budget to the Board
• In consultation with key stakeholders prepare monthly financial reports for the Board
• Prepare business cases in relation to the ESFA business for the Boards consideration as required
• In consultation with key stakeholders, coordinate the annual financial audits
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and management are in place
• Identify, develop and manage sponsorship, grant and alternative income and funding strategies for the Boards consideration
Strategic Planning
• Work with the Board on the review, development and delivery of the ESFA Strategic Plan and remain accountable for its implementation
• Managing the staff in cooperatively developing and monitoring annual work plans and KPI’s
• Work closely with the Board to ensure progress is being made on the key ESFA objectives
• If and when required work with the Board to deliver significant initiatives and reforms following a cost benefit analysis
Facilities and Infrastructure
• In conjunction with key stakeholders develop the ESFA facilities needs strategy to ensure the associations needs remain a focus for local Government and our community
• Manage all key club and member relationships based on the issues identified to ensure continued improvement
• Manage all member-based escalations and general issues resolution to deliver effective and sustainable outcomes
Servicing and Engagement
• Maintain the capacity of the association to service its members, by ensuring the appropriate policies and procedures are in place
• Review and assess existing service provision levels to ensure member needs are met
• Represent the association within the community
• Ensure the association is a valued and respected part of the Eastern Suburbs community
• Assist members grow the sport in our community through registration campaigns
• Oversee the development and delivery of a communications plan to ensure our engagement with the football community is effective, timely and relevant.
Key Relationships
Reports to: The ESFA Board
Internal
• ESFA Staff
• ESFA Referees Branch
External
• ESFA Member Clubs
• FNSW
• Football Australia
• Local Government Authorities and Trusts
• Commercial and Strategic partners and sponsors
• Sydney FC
• Patrons
Selection Criteria
In addition to demonstrating relevant experience across the core functional areas of responsibility identified in the Position Description, candidates will require a range of personal and professional skills for the role, including;
• Tertiary qualifications and demonstrated experience in sports management, business management or similar
• Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably within a sporting organisation
• Strong people skills with an ability to relate to people at all levels whilst managing the interests of staff, coaches, players, members and stakeholders
• Strong track record of implementing strategies and program delivery whilst working in a leadership role
• Ability to influence and manage teams across multiple functions
• Outstanding customer service skills with an ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships at all levels
• High level negotiation skills
• High level communication skills both verbal and written
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Excellent organisation and time management skills with an ability to navigate competing priorities
• Demonstrated experience working with volunteers
• Willingness to assist with any of the day to day activities of the association doing whatever it takes to get the job done
• Eligible to work in Australia
• Working with Children compliant
Hours of Work
This is a full-time position based permanently from the ESFA office in Matraville. Due to the nature of the sports industry, the position requires a person who is able to work flexible hours including after hours and weekends for various ESFA events, activities and to meet the needs of the ESFA membership.
Remuneration Guide
An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate, negotiable depending upon the skill level and experience.
At the time of applying candidates are invited to indicate their current salary and salary expectations.
Indicative Timelines
Applications Close: 5pm EDST Wednesday December 4, 2024
Final interviews and the appointment of the GM, ESFA are scheduled for December 2024.
The successful candidate would be expected to commence duties in mid-January 2025 (by negotiation) mindful of notice periods.
Enquiries
In the first instance general enquiries in relation to the position should be directed to the Chair of the ESFA Board Glen Overton on 0411 454 548 or g.overton@esfa.com.au
Apply to
Your application should be sent electronically to g.overton@esfa.com.au