Chief Executive Officer – Surfing Queensland

Surfing Queensland was established in 1964 and since this time has developed into a thriving sporting association committed to the development of their sport. Surfing Queensland is the recognised not-for-profit peak State body of a National Association entrusted and committed to the development of the sport of surfing and the education of the general public on surf safety and surf survival. 

In 2022, Surfing Queensland launched the Surfing Queensland Academy (SQA) Junior High-Performance program. The program was established to provide the opportunities and pathways for junior surfers in Queensland. Developed in conjunction with Surfing Australia and some of the world’s best coaches, the Surfing Queensland Academy aims to develop Queensland’s top junior and grommet surfers. 

Surfing Queensland is a state-based member organisation representing various clubs and stakeholders. It manages and runs competitions and events, partners and supports grass roots surfing through the Boardriders clubs, and runs the Surfing Queensland Academy. 

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Surfing Queensland is navigating a transitional period with interim leadership and a focus on rebuilding trust and enhancing stakeholder relationships. The organisation is looking for a CEO who can manage diverse interactions, secure funding, and drive strategic initiatives, particularly in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.  

The board is committed to maintaining a balanced and skilled governance structure while addressing operational challenges and leveraging growth opportunities. 

And these growth opportunities are across the organisation, not only membership but corporate partnerships and government, (local, State and Federal).  

With the departure of the previous CEO, two directors have stepped in to undertake the operational requirements of the business in a caretaking capacity. 

Having an established portfolio of programs and events, Surf Queensland has a steady pipeline of income and revenue with which to build on and develop. Major revenue sources include government funding, corporate partnerships, and event management. The organisation has a turnover of about $1.2 million and employs six staff members. 

With a clear focus on sustainability, the organisation exists to promote and advocate for the sport of surfing in Quensland from the grass roots up. Working under a federated model, with the national office in NSW, the organisation faces competition and collaboration challenges with Surfing Australia itself and the World Surf League (WSL). 

Building on and strengthening these relationships is essential for the success of this role. The ideal CEO should have experience in stakeholder management, government relations, and corporate partnerships. 

Future opportunities include leveraging the upcoming 2032 Olympics, enhancing corporate partnerships, and developing and expanding the membership through a revised values proposition. 

The constitution identifies a board consisting of six directors. A voluntary Board there are currently five directors who bring a diverse background of experience in law, accounting, marketing, and business. 

There is a clear remit for the board to maintain a balance of skills and gender representation with a focus on high-performance programs and supporting young athletes. 

Strat Pillars Summary Document 

With the current CEO stepping down from Surfing Queensland, the role of CEO has become available for the next stewardship of the organisation. This has not come without its challengers’ causing uncertainty within the business. There is a need for the incoming CEO to rebuild trust with stakeholders, staff, and the board. 

This will be the primary focus for the CEO to begin with as they build relationships and identify future partnerships. 

Maintaining government funding and corporate support is critical. The organisation is exploring ways to engage with a broader range of surfers and provide value through membership services. 

There is clear direction from the Board to develop and solidify the voice of the sport to all levels of government, industry and community as well as being a considered voice within the media and public arena to competently represent the organisation as the leading peak body for the sport of surfing in Queensland. 

Representing the organisation in a variety of forums to maintain a voice at the table for Queensland Surfing is ongoing, particularly with preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games and infrastructure developments at Snapper Rocks. 

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer is to lead Surfing Queensland as the expert representative for the planning and development of the sport of surfing in Queensland.  

Critical to the success of this position is engagement and stakeholder management. Relationships and the development of partnerships and collaboration are essential in developing and leading the growth of the sport of Surfing in Queensland. 

The CEO will be involved in financial reporting, stakeholder engagement, and event management. With the organisation using MYOB for financial management, this CEO is comfortable navigating financial reports as generated and tabled by the finance manager (working part-time). 

Team development and growth is a critical component of this role, with this CEO managing a small team and navigating the complexities of a volunteer-driven organisation. 

Knowledge of the surfing industry is beneficial but not mandatory, understanding of membership-based associations from aligned industries or sectors with a focus on events (sporting), government funding and corporate partnerships would be advantageous. 

The CEO will need to handle diverse interactions, from board meetings to corporate negotiations and be experienced at reporting to and speaking to a diverse stakeholder cohort. 

As the face of the organisation, you will be comfortable facing the media and providing a voice to the community. Strategic in your thinking, you are well prepared to provide comments based on research, evidence & evaluation to influence and achieve partnerships across a competing landscape. 

From an operational perspective, you are comfortable managing and developing a dedicated team, you have a good understanding of the back-end corporate services functions including finance, HR, compliance, and policy. 

You will also be responsible for leading the delivery of targeted events and programs supporting the development and growth of the sport in Queensland.

• Board & Chair  
• Membership 
• Government at all levels (Department Leaders and Elected members). 
• Clubs 
• Volunteers 
• Media outlets 

• Strategic Development 
• Corporate Partnerships 
• Membership Growth 
• Operational Management 
• Stakeholder Engagement 
• Advocacy 
• Operations  
• Governance & Compliance 

Passionate about the sport and the demonstrated positive lifestyle benefits, the organisation is surrounded by a dedicated team both at a board and an operational level. There is also strong engagement from external stakeholders including notable individuals from the professional surfing community, many who have been made SQ Life members. 

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 

• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number MCCESF to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

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