Lead the Future of Deaf Sport in Australia
Deaf Sports Australia is seeking an outstanding leader to become its next Chief Executive Officer.

This is a unique opportunity to lead Australia’s national peak body for deaf sport and drive meaningful change for Deaf and hard of hearing athletes across the country. As CEO, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening participation, inclusion, high-performance pathways, and organisational sustainability while helping shape the future of deaf sport in Australia.

Working closely with the Board, staff, sporting organisations, government agencies, funding partners, sponsors, and the Deaf and hard of hearing community, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to deliver Deaf Sports Australia’s vision and long-term success.
About Deaf Sports Australia

Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) is the national peak body for deaf sport in Australia and is committed to creating inclusive sporting opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing athletes. DSA supports participation, development, and high-performance pathways, enabling athletes to compete and excel at all levels of sport while promoting accessibility, inclusion, and representation across the sporting sector.

As a National Disability Sports Organisation, DSA works collaboratively with national and state-based sporting organisations, government agencies, stakeholders, and the broader Deaf community to strengthen and advance deaf sport throughout Australia. DSA is funded and supported by the Australian Sports Commission.

About the Role
The Chief Executive Officer provides strategic and operational leadership to Deaf Sports Australia, ensuring effective governance, financial sustainability, organisational performance, and delivery of the organisation’s strategic objectives. The CEO serves as the key link between the Board, staff, members, funding bodies, sporting organisations, government agencies, and the Deaf sporting community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the implementation and delivery of the DSA Strategic Plan.
  • Provide strategic advice and governance support to the Board, including organisational planning and policy development.
  • Represent and advocate for Deaf Sports Australia nationally and internationally, promoting greater recognition, inclusion, and high-performance opportunities in deaf sport.
  • Lead, develop, and support a geographically dispersed workforce while fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
  • Manage organisational operations, human resources, program delivery, and performance outcomes.
  • Secure and manage government funding, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
  • Identify and develop new revenue opportunities to strengthen long-term organisational sustainability.
  • Oversee financial management, budgeting, reporting, audits, risk management, and compliance obligations.
  • Support participation and development programs, including school sport initiatives and Active Deaf programs.
  • Support the successful delivery of the Australian Deaf Games and future international opportunities, including pathways to the Deaflympics.
  • Build relationships with sporting organisations, government agencies, disability sector organisations, sponsors, and the Deaf community.
  • Lead stakeholder engagement, communications, advocacy, and profile-building activities that strengthen the impact of Deaf Sports Australia.

About You
You are a strategic, collaborative, and values-driven leader with a passion for inclusion and sport. You have a proven ability to lead organisations, build partnerships, secure funding, and deliver sustainable growth and community impact.

You will bring:

  • Demonstrated senior leadership experience within sport, community, not-for-profit, disability, or related sectors.
  • Strong strategic planning, organisational development, and change leadership capabilities.
  • Experience in financial management, budgeting, grant management, funding compliance, and organisational reporting.
  • Strong governance knowledge, including risk management, regulatory compliance, and Board engagement.
  • Experience building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government, funding bodies, sporting organisations, and community stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Knowledge of the Australian sporting sector and disability sport landscape.
  • Experience leading projects, events, programs, or organisational initiatives with measurable outcomes.
  • A commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful engagement with Deaf and hard of hearing communities.
  • Tertiary qualifications in sport management, business, or a related field.

Highly Desirable

  • Lived experience within the Deaf and hard of hearing community and/or significant experience working with Deaf and hard of hearing people.
  • Experience with ACNC governance, compliance, reporting, and charity obligations.

Location and Employment Details
Employment Type: Full-Time
Term: Contract position to 30 June 2029
Location: Deaf Sports Australia Office, East Melbourne, Victoria, or another mutually agreed location.

Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead Australia’s national peak body for deaf sport and make a lasting impact on the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing Australians.
You will drive strategic growth, strengthen participation and high-performance pathways, influence national sporting inclusion, build meaningful partnerships, and help create opportunities for athletes to participate and excel at every level of sport.

Apply Now
If you are an experienced leader with a passion for sport, inclusion, and community impact, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions
To apply, please send your cover letter together with your current CV via email to: president@deafsports.org.au

Applications close 14 September 2026.
Help shape the future of deaf sport in Australia.