Head of Community Rugby
Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union (CMRFU) is seeking a dynamic Head of Community Rugby to lead participation growth, strengthen club and school partnerships, and develop community programmes across South Auckland, Franklin and the wider region.
Reporting to the CEO, you will guide a high‑performing team, manage participant pathways, and deliver PUIM commitments while championing girls’ and women’s rugby and governance with clubs and NZ Rugby.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience within sport, community organisations or a related sector.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Experience developing and implementing strategic plans.
- A passion for participation growth and community development.
- Experience leading teams and achieving measurable outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the Community Rugby Strategy.
- Drive participation growth and player retention across all age groups.
- Strengthen relationships with clubs, schools, referees and community stakeholders.
- Lead and develop a high performing Community Rugby team.
- Oversee community rugby competitions, player registrations and regulatory compliance.
- Support the growth of girls’ and women’s rugby.
- Deliver programmes that support coaches, referees and volunteers.
- Lead key community events and competitions throughout the season.
- Deliver outcomes and reporting requirements associated with PUIM.
- Contribute as a member of the CMRFU Senior Leadership Team.
Skills
Job description
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Lead the future of rugby in Counties Manukau
Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union is one of New Zealand’s leading provincial rugby unions, serving a diverse and growing community across South Auckland, Franklin and the wider Counties Manukau region.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Community Rugby.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of rugby in our region by leading participation growth, strengthening club and school partnerships, developing community programmes and creating positive experiences for thousands of players, coaches, referees and volunteers. The role is responsible for leading all community rugby activities across Counties Manukau and delivering strategic outcomes aligned with both CMRFU and New Zealand Rugby priorities.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of community rugby throughout the region.
You will work closely with clubs, schools, referees, volunteers, committees, New Zealand Rugby and key stakeholders to grow participation, strengthen pathways and ensure rugby remains the sport of choice across our communities.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
Lead the implementation and delivery of the Community Rugby Strategy.
Drive participation growth and player retention across all age groups.
Strengthen relationships with clubs, schools, referees and community stakeholders.
Lead and develop a high performing Community Rugby team.
Oversee community rugby competitions, player registrations and regulatory compliance.
Support the growth of girls’ and women’s rugby.
Deliver programmes that support coaches, referees and volunteers.
Lead key community events and competitions throughout the season.
Deliver outcomes and reporting requirements associated with the Provincial Union Investment Model (PUIM).
Contribute as a member of the CMRFU Senior Leadership Team.
About You
To be successful in this role you will bring:
Proven leadership experience within sport, community organisations or a related sector.
Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills.
Experience developing and implementing strategic plans.
A passion for participation growth and community development.
Experience leading teams and achieving measurable outcomes.
Strong planning, organisational and communication skills.
Experience working with volunteers, committees and governance groups.
An understanding of community sport, rugby structures and participant pathways.
The ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Why Join CMRFU?
At CMRFU, we are committed to growing rugby and creating meaningful opportunities for our communities. Our purpose is to grow, empower and inspire our community through rugby. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on participation, club development and the future success of rugby within Counties Manukau.
We offer:
A senior leadership position within a respected provincial rugby union.
The opportunity to influence and shape the future of community rugby.
A passionate and committed team.
Strong connections across rugby, schools and the wider community.
Applications
If you are an energetic leader who is passionate about community sport and ready to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. CMRFU is unable to support visa sponsorship for this position.
Head of Community Rugby
Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union (CMRFU)
Pukekohe, Auckland
Lead the future of rugby in Counties Manukau
Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union is one of New Zealand’s leading provincial rugby unions, serving a diverse and growing community across South Auckland, Franklin and the wider Counties Manukau region.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Community Rugby.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of rugby in our region by leading participation growth, strengthening club and school partnerships, developing community programmes and creating positive experiences for thousands of players, coaches, referees and volunteers. The role is responsible for leading all community rugby activities across Counties Manukau and delivering strategic outcomes aligned with both CMRFU and New Zealand Rugby priorities.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of community rugby throughout the region.
You will work closely with clubs, schools, referees, volunteers, committees, New Zealand Rugby and key stakeholders to grow participation, strengthen pathways and ensure rugby remains the sport of choice across our communities.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
Lead the implementation and delivery of the Community Rugby Strategy.
Drive participation growth and player retention across all age groups.
Strengthen relationships with clubs, schools, referees and community stakeholders.
Lead and develop a high performing Community Rugby team.
Oversee community rugby competitions, player registrations and regulatory compliance.
Support the growth of girls’ and women’s rugby.
Deliver programmes that support coaches, referees and volunteers.
Lead key community events and competitions throughout the season.
Deliver outcomes and reporting requirements associated with the Provincial Union Investment Model (PUIM).
Contribute as a member of the CMRFU Senior Leadership Team.
About You
To be successful in this role you will bring:
Proven leadership experience within sport, community organisations or a related sector.
Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills.
Experience developing and implementing strategic plans.
A passion for participation growth and community development.
Experience leading teams and achieving measurable outcomes.
Strong planning, organisational and communication skills.
Experience working with volunteers, committees and governance groups.
An understanding of community sport, rugby structures and participant pathways.
The ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Why Join CMRFU?
At CMRFU, we are committed to growing rugby and creating meaningful opportunities for our communities. Our purpose is to grow, empower and inspire our community through rugby. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on participation, club development and the future success of rugby within Counties Manukau.
We offer:
A senior leadership position within a respected provincial rugby union.
The opportunity to influence and shape the future of community rugby.
A values-driven work environment.
A passionate and committed team.
Strong connections across rugby, schools and the wider community.
Applications
If you are an energetic leader who is passionate about community sport and ready to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. CMRFU is unable to support visa sponsorship for this position.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose
The Head of Community Rugby is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of all community rugby activities across Counties Manukau. The role leads the growth, development and sustainability of community rugby by driving participation, strengthening club and school relationships, supporting the development of players, coaches, referees and volunteers, and ensuring the successful delivery of the Union’s strategic objectives.
Through strong stakeholder engagement, people leadership and effective programme delivery, the Head of Community Rugby plays a critical role in creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing rugby environment that enhances participation, strengthens player pathways and contributes to the long-term success of rugby throughout the region.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead the development and implementation of the Community Rugby Strategy, ensuring alignment with the CMRFU Strategic Plan and New Zealand Rugby priorities.
Drive sustainable participation growth across all community rugby programmes.
Develop and implement initiatives that improve player recruitment, retention and progression throughout the rugby pathway.
Identify emerging risks, opportunities and trends within the community game and develop strategies to address them.
Contribute as a member of the Union’s leadership team, providing strategic advice and recommendations to the CEO.
Participation and Growth
Lead initiatives focused on increasing participation across all demographics.
Develop and implement strategies to improve retention of players at key transition stages, particularly within identified at-risk age groups.
Drive the growth and development of girls’ and women’s rugby programmes.
Lead initiatives that improve participation and engagement among Māori, Pasifika and diverse communities.
Monitor participation trends and recommend programmes and interventions to achieve growth objectives.
Club and School Relationships
Develop and maintain strong relationships with affiliated clubs, schools, referees and community stakeholders.
Provide leadership, guidance and support to clubs and schools to strengthen organisational capability and sustainability.
Support clubs and schools to identify and address operational, governance and participation challenges.
Foster collaboration across the rugby network to enhance participant experience and pathway development.
Community Rugby Operations
Oversee the effective delivery and administration of all CMRFU community rugby competitions and programmes.
Ensure competition structures, draws, results and regulations are administered efficiently and professionally.
Oversee player registration processes and ensure compliance with NZR requirements.
Manage player transfers, clearances and eligibility matters.
Oversee disciplinary and judicial processes, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
Ensure effective communication of all competition, compliance and community rugby matters.
Leadership and People Management
Lead, mentor and develop the Community Rugby team to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Foster a high-performance, values-based team culture aligned with CMRFU’s values and behaviours.
Establish clear objectives, performance expectations and development plans for team members.
Promote collaboration across departments to ensure an integrated approach to rugby delivery.
Governance and Stakeholder Support
Provide leadership and support to the Community Rugby Committee, Club Leaders Group and Junior Club Leaders Group.
Provide guidance and advice to the Council of Delegates, Junior Management Board and Secondary Schools Advisory Board.
Support the ongoing review and development of bylaws, regulations and policies to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
Prepare reports, recommendations and strategic insights for the CEO and relevant governance groups.
Rugby Development
Lead and oversee initiatives relating to:
Junior rugby participation and development.
Women’s and Girl’s rugby growth strategies.
Community game development programmes.
Coach, referee and volunteer development.
Participation and transition programmes.
Secondary school rugby competitions and initiatives.
Club capability and sustainability initiatives.
Representative Rugby
Oversee, in partnership with the Coaching Development Manager, the recruitment and appointment of coaches for community representative programmes.
Ensure community representative programmes provide quality development opportunities and align with player pathway objectives.
Events and Competitions
Provide leadership and support for community rugby events and programmes including (but not limited to):
Winter Tournament Week.
Junior Tournament Week.
PAC 7s.
Club of Origin.
Representative festivals and tournaments.
Other community events and initiatives as required.
Partnerships and External Relationships
Develop and maintain relationships with New Zealand Rugby, schools, local government, tertiary institutions and community partners.
Explore and support opportunities for tertiary education partnerships aligned to rugby and sports management pathways.
Represent CMRFU professionally across the community rugby network.
Funding and Performance Accountability
Lead delivery of all Community Rugby outcomes and KPIs associated with the Provincial Union Investment Model (PUIM).
Ensure all reporting requirements are completed accurately and within required timeframes.
Monitor and report on community rugby performance against agreed objectives and targets.
Contribute to budget development and ensure resources are utilised effectively and responsibly.
Key Performance Indicators
Performance will be measured through achievement of:
Participation growth targets.
Retention and transition targets.
Growth in girls’ and women’s rugby.
Club and school satisfaction outcomes.
Coach, referee and volunteer development outcomes.
Successful delivery of PUIM commitments.
Compliance with NZR regulations and reporting requirements.
Effective leadership and development of the Community Rugby team.
Successful delivery of community rugby competitions and events.
Contribution to the achievement of CMRFU strategic objective
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