Coach and Youth Development Lead

Otago Cricket; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Newly created leadership role

Work across schools, clubs, coaches, &

Pathway programmes

Job summary

Otago Cricket in Dunedin seeks a Coach & Youth Development Lead to guide youth player and coach development across Otago.

You will build partnerships with schools and clubs, deliver coach education, identify talented cricketers, and strengthen links between school, club and representative cricket to keep young players engaged and progressing.

The role requires travel across Otago and regular evenings/weekends to support community cricket activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in coaching, coach development or player development.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound understanding of youth athlete development.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Collaborative approach and ability to influence across a broad network.
• Current full New Zealand driver's licence.
• Background in cricket and/or community sport development valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Otago's district-level Emerging Players Programme.
• Develop relationships with secondary schools, sports directors and school cricket coaches.
• Support and mentor club, school and representative coaches.
• Coordinate and deliver coach education courses, workshops and development opportunities.
• Identify talented young cricketers and connect them with Otago Cricket pathways.
• Strengthen links between club, school and representative cricket.
• Lead initiatives to improve youth retention and positive cricket experiences.
• Collaborate with Otago Cricket staff, clubs, schools and stakeholders.

Skills

Coaching

Coach development

Player development

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Leadership

Planning

Organisation

Collaborative approach

Driver's licence

Job description

Otago Cricket is entering an exciting new chapter. As community cricket across New Zealand evolves under the new Community Cricket in New Zealand Strategy 2026-2030, Otago Cricket is investing in a new leadership role focused on youth development, coach capability and strengthening the pathway between community and performance cricket.

We are seeking an exceptional Coach & Youth Development Lead to join our Community Cricket team and help create a thriving future for young cricketers across Otago.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the development of players and coaches, build strong partnerships with secondary schools and clubs, and play a pivotal role in ensuring more young people stay connected to cricket and reach their potential.

About the Role

Based in Dunedin, the Coach & Youth Development Lead will provide leadership across youth player development and coach development throughout Otago.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of Otago's district-level Emerging Players Programme.
• Developing strong relationships with secondary schools, sports directors and school cricket coaches.
• Supporting and mentoring club, school and representative coaches.
• Coordinating and delivering coach education courses, workshops and development opportunities.
• Identifying talented young cricketers and connecting them with Otago Cricket pathway programmes.
• Strengthening the links between club cricket, school cricket and representative cricket.
• Leading initiatives that improve youth retention and create positive cricket experiences for young people.
• Working collaboratively with Otago Cricket community and pathway staff, clubs, schools and community stakeholders.

About You

You are passionate about developing young people and helping coaches create great environments.

You will bring:

• Experience in coaching, coach development or player development.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A sound understanding of youth athlete development.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to influence across a broad network.
• A current full New Zealand driver's licence.
• A background in cricket and/or community sport development will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to help shape the future of community cricket in Otago.
• A newly created leadership role.
• The chance to work across schools, clubs, coaches and pathway programmes.
• A supportive and passionate team environment.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people and the game of cricket.

Additional Information

This role requires regular travel throughout Otago and occasional travel outside the region.

The successful applicant will be expected to work flexible hours, including regular evenings and weekends, reflecting the nature of community sport and cricket delivery.

Applications

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 4 September. For further information regarding the role, please contact ******@otagocricket.co.nz.