Published 31 July 2023

Join the Royal Life Saving team in the role of Specialist - Workforce Development

• Challenge yourself in a role that requires you to call on your aquatic industry leadership, project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Use your in depth and hands on knowledge of the aquatic industry to lead projects that will make a difference.

WHO WE ARE - ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY - AUSTRALIA (RLSSA)

The Royal Life Saving Society - Australia strives to reduce drowning, increase physical activity in and around water, as well as contribute to a strong and vibrant aquatic industry.

Our vision: A water-loving nation free from drowning.

We want to help all Australians enjoy the water safely through drowning prevention leadership, education and action.  As part of this, we want to provide leadership and support to the aquatic industry, train people in the qualifications required to work in industry and bring a love of swimming and water safety education to more people in the community, especially those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is looking for an experienced Specialist - Workforce Development to join our Industry and Training team.

The Specialist - Workforce Development is pivotal in driving the development and implementation of the next wave of aquatic workforce development initiatives. The role will focus on creating initiatives that strengthen the quality, safety and consistency of aquatic industry qualifications, accreditations, professional development and licensing schemes. You will work collaboratively with partners and facilitate a range of forums and working groups to ensure project and program outputs are reflective of industry needs, serve to strengthen the industry, and that Royal Life Saving is positioned as a provider of choice within a competitive training and workforce development market.

This is a permanent full-time or permanent part-time (0.8 FTE) position.

Based in Ultimo, Sydney, with hybrid working opportunities, the role is working with a great team, and offers a range of employee benefits including salary packaging, professional development opportunities and an employee assistance program.  There is flexibility as to whether full-time or part-time and for the role to be based out of Sydney for the right candidate.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

As our Specialist - Workforce Development, you would be required to:

• Lead the delivery of advocacy, programs, events, products and services which further develop and professionalise the aquatic industry workforce.
• Manage or support the delivery of a portfolio of projects relating to Royal Life Saving’s workforce development strategies and operations.
• Coordinate and lead the development, delivery and implementation of a National Aquatic Industry Workforce Framework and programs which support strengthened adoption of the framework.
• Support the review, development and delivery of vocational education and training (VET) resources and industry professional development resources and associated materials
• Support the achievement of organisational, communication and quality management goals and KPIs in the capability portfolio.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the level of this position

WHO SHOULD APPLY

This position would suit a senior aquatic industry professional who has current or recent leadership experience in facility management, HR/staff management, stakeholder management, project management, industry advocacy, or program development.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about the aquatic industry, able to think strategically and problem solve, highly motivated, and experienced working with a range of stakeholders to produce high quality materials and facilitate successful collaborative outcomes.

You will be a team player with demonstrable skills in collaborating in small teams to get the job done.

You will also need to bring agile thinking, initiative and a can-do attitude.

Selection Criteria

High level knowledge and skills as listed below:

• Knowledge of the aquatic and recreation industry and workforce policy and program settings in Australia. Should be able to understand and work within the ecosystem and relationships between the workforce, employers, industry and peak associations, and government
• Project management skills. Should be able to produce detailed project plans, keep projects on track and manage through to successful project delivery.
• Knowledge of the VET sector and government policy in training and workforce/skills development.
• Stakeholder management skills. Should be able to gain and retain confidence and trust of a variety of stakeholders.
• Technical subject matter knowledge and skills around first aid, pool lifeguarding, swim teaching and other key aquatic industry roles.  Should be able to provide technical input and develop high level written and rich media assets describing key principles, elements and techniques relating to the roles.
• Written and verbal communication skills. Should be able to convey, explain, and discuss complex information and issues and communicate in a proactive, effective and succinct manner
• Analytical and problem-solving skills. Should be able to break problems down and/or have ways of solving problems through collaborative processes.
• Data analysis and report preparation. Should be able to collate and analyse data and prepare high quality reports.
• IT literacy. Should be able to work efficiently and accurately in Microsoft Office Suite and Office365 and education/training Learning Management Systems.
• Coordinating and organising skills. Should be able to balance busy schedule, prioritise work, organise complex events with multiple needs and stakeholders and complete tasks by deadlines.
• Teamwork.  Should be able to work collaboratively, contribute to team-based and bigger picture outcomes and maintain positive working relationships.
• Facilitation skills. Should be able to facilitate group discussions with clear outcomes and action items.
• Attention to detail. Should be able to spot errors and improvements and develop accurate written materials, including training and assessment materials and general courseware.
• Flexible, open-minded and resilient.  Should be able to take feedback and other viewpoints on board, review and adapt as appropriate to ensure positive outcomes.
• Course design, writing and development skills also desirable.

Required

• A tertiary qualification in any of the following areas: business, management, project management, education, sport aquatics and recreation, instructional/learning design and assessment, vocational training and assessment
• Experience in a senior role in the aquatic industry (such as facility manager or above) or in an industry training organisation would be considered highly advantageous
• Demonstrated commitment to continual professional and personal development through a mixture of on-the-job and self-directed formal learning.
• Willingness to get a Working with Children Check
• Fully vaccinated with an approved Covid-19 vaccination in line with the ATAGI guidelines which include booster shots. We have a medical exemption process and would be happy to discuss your application should this be applicable to you.
• Legal right to work in Australia, which may include: Australian citizenship, Australian residence and/or applicable work visa.

How to Apply:

Please forward your application by sending your resume and a cover letter telling us why you are the best candidate for this position taking into consideration the qualifications, and knowledge and skills required as outlined in the Selection Criteria above full position description

For further information, or to apply, please contact/send your application to:

Shaun Jackson, National Manager - Training and Workforce Development | E:  info@rlssa.org.au

(Email Subject:  Job Application, Specialist - Workforce Development)

Applications close: 9am Tuesday 15th Aug 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply.