Manager – Participation & Engagement (Metro Sydney)

Manager – Participation & Engagement (Metro Sydney)
(Golf NSW / Jack Newton Junior Golf)

Position Purpose

The Manager – Participation & Engagement (Metro Sydney) is responsible for driving sustainable participation growth in golf across metropolitan Sydney by engaging traditional golf clubs and emerging golf facilities and building strong partnerships with schools, councils, commercial operators, and community sport providers.

This role plays a critical strategic function in ensuring golf remains relevant, accessible, and attractive within Australia’s largest and most diverse metropolitan market—supporting long‑term player pathways, facility sustainability, and ecosystem growth for both Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf.

Key Responsibilities

Participation Growth & Strategic Engagement

• Lead and deliver Metro Sydney participation strategies aligned to Golf NSW and JNJG strategic plans.

• Drive participation outcomes across:

  • Traditional golf clubs

  • Driving ranges and practice centres

  • Mini golf, entertainment golf and virtual/simulator venues

  • Schools, community spaces, and council‑owned facilities

• Identify and activate new access points into golf, particularly for juniors, women, families, culturally diverse communities, and new entrants.

• Translate participation data into targeted engagement strategies for different facility and community types.

 Club & Facility Engagement

• Act as the primary engagement lead for Metro Sydney clubs and facilities, supporting:

  • Participation programming

  • Junior and introductory pathways

  • Retention and transition initiatives (e.g. beginner to club member)

• Work with clubs to adapt participation models for urban and time‑constrained markets.

• Support facilities in aligning with:

  • National participation programs (e.g. MyGolf, Get Into Golf)

  • Women in Golf Charter

  • Child‑safe standards and governance requirements

Emerging & Non‑Traditional Golf Facilities

• Proactively engage non‑traditional and emerging golf venues, including:

  • Entertainment golf facilities

  • Virtual and simulator centres

  • Short‑form or alternative golf concepts

• Develop participation frameworks that connect these venues into formal golf pathways.

• Identify partnership opportunities that support long‑term player conversion and retention, not just casual engagement.

Schools, Councils & Community Partnerships

• Build strong working relationships with:

  • State and independent schools

  • Local councils and government agencies

  • Community sport and education providers

• Coordinate school‑based and community entry programs that feed into ongoing participation opportunities.

• Position golf as a valuable community asset within urban planning and recreation discussions.

Program Delivery & Workforce Collaboration

• Coordinate Golf NSW and JNJG participation programs across Metro Sydney, including:

  • School programs

  • Holiday and council activations

  • Targeted inclusion initiatives

• Work collaboratively with:

  • Regional Managers (NSW/ACT)

  • JNJG pathway and events teams

  • Golf NSW major events where required

• Ensure consistent program quality, messaging, and reporting across the metro region.

Measurement, Reporting & Insights

• Maintain accurate participation and engagement data across clubs, facilities, and programs.

• Contribute to evidence‑based decision making through:

  • Reporting participation trends

  • Identifying growth opportunities and risks

• Provide insights to support future facility planning and investment decisions.

  Key Capabilities & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in sports participation, community engagement, or facility‑based sport development.

• Strong understanding of urban sport participation challenges and opportunities.

• Proven ability to work across traditional clubs and commercial/alternative venues.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills.

• Strong planning, coordination, and reporting capability.

• Ability to work flexibly, including some evening and weekend commitments.

• Current and cleared Working With Children Check (NSW).

Desirable

• Experience working within golf, sport management, or recreation facilities.

• Exposure to emerging sport formats or alternative facility models.

• Knowledge of junior sport pathways and retention strategies.

• Understanding of Women in Sport / Women in Golf initiatives and inclusive participation frameworks.

Key Outcomes

• Increased and diversified participation across Metro Sydney.

• Stronger relationships between emerging facilities and traditional clubs.

• Improved conversion from introductory programs into ongoing golf involvement.

• Golf positioned as a relevant, accessible, and sustainable urban sport.