Description:
The Sunshine Coast Lightning netball franchise participates in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league. Netball is the largest female participation sport in Australia. The SSN league is widely recognised as the premier professional netball club competition in the world. Sunshine Coast Lightning is the only regional netball Club within the SSN competition and has experienced substantial growth and success in its short history. Our offices are located within the elite sport department at UniSC in Sippy Downs, QLD.
About the role
We are searching for a talented, energetic leader to join our dynamic team on a parental leave contract, ending in August 2025, as our Game Day & Events Manager. This role is suited to those seeking full-time hours, however part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate. Reporting to the GM - Marketing, this integral role is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the Lightning game-day and events program, with the aim to provide a first-class experience for members, fans, corporates and event attendees as well as overseeing the Club’s Event Calendar.
The Game Day & Events Manager holds the primary responsibility as project manager for the Club’s home games at UniSC Arena and Club events. Crucial to the success of this role will be the ability to manage and work closely with key stakeholders to effectively deliver events and game days; and ensure Lightning is showcased in the best possible light in front of a live crowd and national TV audience. A compelling and exciting game-day execution is a vital part of the Club’s opportunity to expand the Lightning narrative to new and engaged audiences and ultimately drive increased attendance and membership conversion.
Due to the nature of our industry, this role will be required to work on game day and at nominated Club events, which will require some weekend and evening availability, and occasional travel.
As the Game Day & Events Manager, you will:
- Work with key event and venue partners, namely UniSC, Sunshine Coast Council, Netball Australia and Broadcast partner to ensure a first-class game-day experience.
- Lead all match day event operations (pre-season and regular season) including pre and post-game briefings with key staff and contractors ensuring all are successfully executed.
- Work closely with broadcast producer in the lead up and floor manager on game day, in conjunction, to ensure key timings around gates open, warm up and match call ons are correct.
- Conduct the full planning, coordination and execution of “activation zone” activities including food and beverage vendors, sponsor and merch activations, and branding and signage opportunties.
- Lead all catering requirements for home and away team, operational staff, media and game day volunteers.
- Manage game day sports presentation contractor and game day delivery in conjunction with marketing team.
- Ensure full compliance with Netball Australia requirements, including those specified in the League Manual and Competition Rules.
- Effectively manage stakeholders, including casuals, contractors and suppliers, ensuring all agreements are executed efficiently and a professional game day experience is consistently delivered.
- Oversee the management and execution of all events across the year in conjunction with Lightning’s Community Manager and Event Coordinator.
- Event planning including sourcing of venues (where applicable) and the development and management of key planning tools such as event plans, run sheets and other logistics.
- Oversee the organisation of logistics for events including player signing requirements, setting up and dismantling event equipment, whilst ensuring OH&S requirements are met.
The successful candidate will possess:
- Relevant tertiary qualification or equivlent experience in a relevant field
- 3-5+ years experience in a similar event management role, with proven ability to deliver a calendar of events in a timely manner on budget.
- Proven experience in a sporting or enterntaiment environment
- Blue Card / Working With Children Check (or will obtain)
- Hold a current drivers’ licence
What we offer:
- Our work doesn’t always fit the 9 to 5. We offer flexibility with hybrid office / WFH arrangements.
- Free parking onsite
- Free access to all Lightning home games + additional tickets for friends and/or family
- 50% Lightning Memberships
- Tickets to nominated Club events.
- Access to our EAP service Converge who assist with improving employee health, happiness, and life satisfaction.
- Discounts on New Balance, ASICS & Lightning merchandise
- Internal Professional Development opportunities