An exciting opportunity has come about as the Talent Transfer Head Coach for Triathlon Australia. 

Organisational Overview

Triathlon Australia (TA) is the governing body for the sport of triathlon in Australia. TA is recognised by World Triathlon (WT) and Sport Australia (SA) as the National Federation representing Triathlon.
 
The TA High Performance program, is a partnership between TA, SA and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The program provides a nationally integrated and coordinated approach to assist the development and preparation of elite and sub-elite athletes who have the potential to succeed at international level in WT racing. The key performance measure for the program is the delivery of medals at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and WT Championship Series, World Paratriathlon Series and WT Championship Finals.
 
Primary Job Purpose
 
The role of the Talent Transfer Head Coach is to successfully identify, develop, support and progress talented single discipline athletes towards achieving medal winning performances in Triathlon, and contribute to the achievement of the TA Strategy and High Performance Plan.
 
Key Performance Areas & Responsibilities

1. In line with the HP Plan, Performance Pathway Strategy and TA What it Takes to Win (WITTW) modelling develop and lead a World Class Talent Transfer Program:

• Work with the TA NPD, Performance Pathway and System Manager, National Talent Development Coach and Performance Support Leads to design and implement regional/state Talent search days and National Talent Identification and Transfer Camps.
• Identify, onboard and successfully transition agreed single discipline athletes into the Talent Transfer Program.
• Deliver a consistent and stable training environment (DTE) with a focus on athletes developing the hierarchy of discriminating factors required to progress to a podium level in Triathlon at international benchmark events.
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary Performance Support team to maximise the athletes’ development.
• Oversee the coaching of athletes based at the Talent Transfer Centre and coach “hands on” on a day-to-day basis, to develop independent and empowered athletes capable of winning when it matters.
• Provide overall guidance and direction to identified Talent Transfer athletes based outside of the Talent Transfer Centre to ensure progression, and readiness for transition into the Centre at an appropriate time.
• Ensure that all Talent Transfer Program athletes have Individual Athlete Performance Plans and Individual Competition Plans, in accordance with the framework established by TA.
• Ensure that all Talent Transfer athletes are integrated into the TA Performance Health Program, in accordance with the framework established by TA and based on agreed measures between the NPD, and the TA Performance Health Manager.
• Oversee the day-to-day administration and technical operation of the Talent Transfer Centre.

2. Contribute to the strategic development and implementation of the TA High Performance Plan:

• Support National Team initiatives and provide strategic input and coaching services (when requested by the NPD) across new international event classes, including Mixed Relay and Super Sprint.
• Undertake National Camp Coach responsibilities and serve as a Coach on National Teams when appointed by the NPD.
• Attend domestic and international competitions as part of the Australian National Team and contribute to the successful delivery of these campaigns in line with Australian National Team expectations and under the direction of the NPD or appointed Team Manager/Head Coach.
• Contribute to and actively participate in TA High Performance program and season reviews, team activities and other education or development sessions.
• Agree to participate in professional development activities as identified with the NPD and through the TA staff appraisal process, including coach profiling as part of the overall workforce development strategy.
• Actively identify new areas for learning and commit to a culture of continuous improvement, technical excellence and innovation.

3. Foster System Partnerships:

• Establish and foster strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including, but not limited to, National Institute Network (NIN), relevant sporting organisations, Universities and clubs.
• Work with and contribute positively to the ongoing relationships with the AIS and relevant NIN partners to ensure optimal resourcing and servicing of the Talent Transfer Program.
• Work collaboratively with the local Talent Transfer Centre and TA System partners to ensure the program is a source of pride and inspiration, and has a positive impact on the broader  community.
• Lead and support the growth of knowledge of each member of the Talent Transfer Program’s Performance Support team, as it relates to Triathlon.
• Where appropriate, work to understand and build relationships across NCAA and College Programs within Triathlon, Athletics and Swimming.
• From time to time, engage and communicate effectively with broader Talent Transfer Program Stakeholders, including, but not limited to, facilities staff, parents and race directors.

4. Support the establishment of a Community of Coaching Practice within the TA HP Coaching Workforce:

• Work in the spirit of good faith to develop and foster relationships with TA Performance Coaches.
• In line with the TA HP Plan and Performance Pathway Strategy, in conjunction with the Podium Centre Coach, and Paratriathlon Lead Coach, establish and lead a “community of practice” with the TA HP Coaching workforce.
• Advocate for and demonstrate best practice coaching in Triathlon.
• Undertake to mentor and support the development of identified HP coaches.
• Contribute to and participate in coach development activities including workshops and clinics to maintain contemporary knowledge and skills regarding athlete development and coaching.
• When requested, provide input into development and education activities, as well as forums and committees of TA.

5. Support the identification and development of the next generation of Medalists:

• Support and contribute to the identification and development of talented athletes, including at National and State talent identification and development camps.
• Maintain a database of, and – as appropriate - engage with athletes in oversees programs (including NCAA) to ensure they are known to TA, monitored and tracked against athlete profiling matrix.
• From time to time, provide guidance and support to identified talented triathlon or single discipline athletes, their coaches and parents through agreed individual case management.
• On agreement with TA, from time to time, run “open sessions” to include identified athletes and coaches.

6. Contribute to and or prepare reports for the NPD, the Board of TA and other relevant stakeholders as required.

7. Actively promote and align to the values of Triathlon Australia.

8. Deliver any other request relating to the delivery of TA programs and services as directed by the NPD.

Key Relationships

TA Staff - To support the delivery of a High Performance sport program
Coaches - TA employed and network coaches
TA Categorised Athletes - To prepare athletes so they can perform at their best
AIS/NIN/STTA’s - To enhance collaboration within the National system

Experience

•  Demonstrated success in managing and delivering a world class talent transfer program or project
• Demonstrated deep understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of Triathlon, particularly as it relates to developing single discipline athletes
• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of skill acquisition and learning design as it relates to developing single discipline athletes into triathletes
• Demonstrated podium success in triathlon coaching at World Championship Series and World Triathlon level
• Demonstrated success in managing the development of Junior athletes through to U23 level
• Demonstrated success at managing the operational and financial aspects of a project or small program
• Demonstrated understanding of the application of best practice principles of coaching, sports science and technology within an athlete development environment
• Demonstrated understanding of the needs of junior and emerging talented athletes and coaches.
• Demonstrated ability to support, develop and mentor coaches
• Demonstrated knowledge of the demands and dynamics of World Triathlon draft-legal racing
• Demonstrated understanding of the emerging trends in international World Triathlon draft-legal racing
• Financial acumen and budgetary management experience including annual planning, forecasting, contingency planning, grant applications and on-going management
• Outstanding leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire and engage others in a long-term vision

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in education, coaching or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Relevant Coaching Accreditation (National or recognised international accreditation)
• Working with Children Clearance

Key Behaviours and Personal Attributes

•  Emotional Intelligence – well developed emotional intelligence; ability to accurately perceive emotions and behaviours of self and others; regulates emotions and behaviours during periods of high stress, conflict or when under pressure.
• Building Relationships – Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others; adapts to the team and builds team spirit; recognises and rewards the contribution of others; listens and consults others and communicates proactively; acts with integrity.
  
• Building Partnerships and Networks - Establishes good relationships with stakeholders and staff; builds wide and effective networks of contacts inside and outside the organisation; relates well to people at all levels.
• Learning Orientation - actively identifying new areas for learning and exploration; regularly creating and taking advantage of learning opportunities; applying new skills and knowledge in practice; seeks and leverages feedback.
• Systems Awareness - thinks “big picture”; a high degree of systems awareness and an ability to leverage resources and intelligently co-create outcomes across organisations, as it relates to both short and long-term objectives.
• Coaching and Guiding Team Success – strong value on team; an ability to inspire and motivate higher performance, and empower athletes, coaches and the wider performance support to commit to an action plan that delivers on the priorities and goals; providing feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel; planning and supporting the development of individual skills and abilities.
• Coaching Practice – an understanding of and commitment to developing independent, robust and self-sufficient athletes through best practice coaching, with a particular focus on understanding the role of health and wellbeing as a platform for Performance in Triathlon.
• Deciding and Initiating Action – makes prompt, clear decisions which may involve tough choices or considered risks; take responsibility for actions, projects and people; takes initiative, acts with confidence and works under own direction, initiatives and generates activity.
• Planning and Organising: sets clearly defined objectives; plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; manages time effectively; identifies and organises resources needed to accomplish tasks; monitors performance against deadlines and milestones.

If you are ready to work in a professional and passionate environment, whilst helping triathlon to become Australia’s favourite sport, we look forward to hearing from you. To view the full position description, please click here. Please forward all applications plus a cover letter which addresses the criteria of the role to Elise Rechichi on elise.rechichi@triathlon.au.org by 5:00pm Monday, 12 April 2021.