JOB: Core Events Manager

Surfing Victoria is seeking a new Core Events Manager to help deliver events across Victoria. The role will help build and deliver the events calendar with a specific focus on Core events (State Titles) and Contract Events across the state.

About Surfing Victoria

Surfing Victoria is recognised by the State Government of Victoria and the Victorian surf industry as the governing and organising body for surfing in Victoria. Surfing Victoria conducts a range of age and discipline events, as well as educational programs to coaches, instructors, recreational surfers and competitors. Our services are delivered by a key network of regional coaches, affiliated clubs and surf schools. Benefits and Insurances are provided to our members, affiliated clubs and surf schools.

Position Summary

Surfing Victoria is seeking a full time Core Events Manager with responsibility for Victorian State Title Events, general event operations and other key Victorian events managed by the Organisation. The successful applicant will be the organisational lead in planning and delivering surfing events in all areas of competitions with a focus on core events including all Victorian State Titles and select contract events.

Previous surfing event operations experience, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and ability to work in a team environment will set apart the best among the candidates.  The role requires the successful candidate to deliver set event requirements as well as implement innovation across the Surfing Victoria event calendar. Ensuring each event is completed within budget parameters will also be a key success criteria as well as completing event reports and reviews for internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred start time for the role is January 2026.

Reports To

CEO and Head of Events and Marketing.

Key Stakeholders

–   Surfing Victoria members and clubs

–   Surfing Australia

–   World Surf League

–   Local and State government organisations

–   Sponsors, suppliers, contractors

Key Outcomes

The Core Events Manager will contribute to the success of Surfing Victoria by:

1. Leading the implementation of core Victorian surfing events, including the Victorian State Titles in Shortboard, Longboard and SUP.

2. Engaging with and developing strong working relationships with the members and clubs, broader sports industry, key surfing and Government stakeholders.

3. Actively working as part of a team to increase and diversify revenue streams and manage costs to improve financial sustainability.

4. Work alongside Major Events Manager on the risk management and compliance of Surfing Victoria events and programs – including development and updating of Risk management plans.

5. Providing leadership, direction, and performance management to contract staff of Surfing Victoria and actively working towards the delivery of the strategic objectives

6. Meeting legislative, policy, reporting, funding agreement and other contractual requirements.

7. Work with Major Events Manager and Programs Team to ensure good working order of Surfing Victoria equipment and storage facility.

8. Undertaking other duties as required.

Special Conditions

The following special employment conditions apply to this position:

–   Out of hours work will be required (specifically around Events)

–   Some intra-state travel will be required

–   This position requires you to have a satisfactory driving record, current driver’s license and be willing to drive

–   Current Victorian Working with Children Check

–   Obtain relevant First Aid and CPR qualifications

–   Be willing to obtain relevant surf rescue qualifications

Essential Skills

To achieve the required outcomes of this role the Core Events Manager will have essential skills competencies and experience:

–   Previous surfing events experience with high attention to detail

–   Create operational event plans – Management Plans, Risk Assessments, Safety Plans, OH&S, Crowd Management, Traffic Control and Water Safety Plans

–   Management of council and event permit applications, compliance with relevant building codes and authorities

–   Manage finances including budgeting, cash flow, asset management and reporting

–   Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with diverse stakeholders

–   Proven ability to quickly identity and implement solutions when issues arise

–   Proven ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment with conflicting tasks

–   Recruit and manage contract staff/volunteers

–   Coordinate team to deliver necessary event logistics

–   Sponsor and partnership deliverables

–   Ability to work in a team environment

–   Build and manage relationships with stakeholders

–   Ability to work efficiently to time deadlines

–   Manage and communicate effectively with staff and stakeholders

–   Liaise and negotiate with key stakeholders and contractors

–   Show leadership, develop, and empower contract staff/volunteers

–   Complete administrative tasks including strong knowledge of content management systems and a high degree of competence in Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint

Ideal Skills

–   Degree in Event or Sports Management is desirable

–   Relevant education and experience within the sport and industry sector

–   Experience working in state sporting organisations, on surfing events and an understanding of the sport of surfing

–   Current White card, Fork lift license, Traffic Control License is desirable

Surfing Victoria Values, Purpose, Values and Strategic Priorities

Purpose
To enrich Victorian communities through surfing.

Values

Inclusive – we welcome, celebrate and support everyone to be part of the Surfing Victoria community.

Respectful – we care for country and are appreciative of, and celebrate our community, environment, Indigenous culture and surfing history.

Innovative – we are progressive in our thinking and embrace change through our actions.

Real – We have a passion for surfing.

Strategic Priorities

Participation & Community – Grow an inclusive, safe and active Victorian community through surfing.

Women & Girls – Support an inclusive surf culture and community with equality in and out of the water.

Indigenous – Be a leader in Indigenous sport participation in Victorian communities.

Events – Deliver a portfolio of innovative and inclusive events in Victoria.

Sport Development – Promote innovation and build community knowledge and capability.

High Performance – Support Victorian athletes to become the worlds best surfers and people.

How To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter outlining your attributes and your capacity to successfully fulfil the key duties associated with this role to info@surfingvic.com.

We require that you submit.

1. Your CV
2. A covering letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your relevant recent experience and what you bring to this role experience against the position description.

Closing Date:
9am Monday 19th January 2026. Preferred start time for the role is January/February 2026