About NSWRL:
Established in 1907, New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) proudly stands as Australia’s founding rugby league organisation. As the governing body of rugby league within NSW and the ACT, we’re united in our passion for growing the game - supporting more than 700 clubs, 122,000 players and our many hard-working coaches and volunteers who bring rugby league to life in communities across the state.
At the pinnacle of the sport, we proudly lead the NSW Blues men’s and women’s State of Origin campaigns, inspiring fans and future players through one of Australia’s greatest sporting traditions.
Driven by our values of inheritance, professional, united, courageous, innovative and legacy, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. These values shape our culture, our decisions and the impact we strive to make for rugby league, today and for generations to come.
About the Position:
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of Commercial & Communications plays a vital role in leading the strategic development, integration and execution of NSW Rugby League’s brand, commercial, digital and media functions. The role is responsible for the commercial framework, asset strategy and performance oversight of an appointed external sales agency, hospitality sales, other sales revenues, brand, marketing and the sponsorship servicing team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, steward and protect the NSW Rugby League brand, ensuring consistency, integrity and relevance across all touchpoints.
- Develop and execute an integrated brand and marketing strategy aligned to organisational strategy and stakeholder priorities.
- Build and own the NSW Rugby League commercial strategy, including sponsorship frameworks, asset design, pricing principles and packaging in conjunction with an external agency.
- Sales Agency liaison & oversight.
- Lead the NSW Rugby League’s digital strategy across owned platforms including website, apps, CRM, EDMs and social channels.
- Oversee media, PR and content strategy, including proactive storytelling, media relationships and reputation management to maximise audience and fan engagement.
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across brand, marketing, digital, media and content.
About You:
- Minimum of an undergraduate degree in Business, Sports Administration or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience in leading media, commercial and/or digital programs.
- A proven track record running a successful and sustainable commercial program.
- Issues management experience & broader media strategy & management.
- Experience in building and delivering effective marketing campaigns and the stewardship of an organisations brand.
- Previous senior management experience working with Boards.
- Experience in people and performance leadership.
- Experience in effective budget management & financial literacy.
- Proven expertise in strategy development and successful execution leading to improved business outcomes.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of the game of rugby league.
- Sporting industry experience.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage confidently across diverse stakeholders.
Consistent with the nature of the sporting industry, the successful candidate must be flexible and willing to work weekends, evenings and reasonable additional hours as is required to fulfil the requirements of this position. Remuneration is set in recognition of this requirement.
A position description is attached to this advertisement.
Working at NSWRL:
Our people are proud to be part of NSWRL, a place where every individual is genuinely valued and recognised as vital to achieving our vision. Beyond offering competitive employment conditions and modern workplace practices, NSWRL provides a range of additional benefits designed to help our team thrive. Together, we’ve created a positive, supportive culture where our people feel empowered to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact every day.
