PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To lead and manage the university’s athletics program by driving high-performance initiatives, supporting marketing and recruitment efforts, promoting student life through sport, and ensuring the program’s financial and strategic sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Promotion of the NWU through Sport (Athletics)

• Implement and maintain a successful athletics strategy, structure and programme.
• Develop inclusive athletics opportunities that enable students and staff, including athletes with disabilities, to compete at the regional, national, and international levels.
• Oversee the recruitment and appointment of specialist coaches across athletic disciplines. The athletics manager is not expected to coach but manage the NWU Athletics programme. Strengthen the athletics programme to enhance the NWU and Eagles brand visibility and reputation.

Promotion of the NWU brand through high performance as part of capacity building.

• Position NWU as a leading institution in university sport through the consistent performance of high-performance athletes and teams.
• Align high-performance sport initiatives with NWU’s brand identity and marketing objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies that use sport as a driver for student recruitment, stakeholder engagement, and community involvement.
• Promote success stories of NWU athletes and teams to showcase institutional excellence and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with other relevant NWU structures to profile high-performance achievements across media and public platforms.
•  Identify and nurture emerging talent to ensure sustainable performance and representation of the NWU brand.
• Build internal capacity through the development of coaches, administrators, and support staff involved in high-performance programmes.

Financial / Facilities Management

• Manage and monitor the NWU Athletics portfolio budget in accordance with NWU financial policies and guidelines.
• Conduct annual budgeting and forecasting to ensure optimal allocation and utilisation of resources for athletics operations and programmes.
• Oversee the fair and transparent allocation of bursaries, in compliance with institutional policies and regulations.
• Ensure proper asset management and control, including the maintenance of accurate inventory and adherence to asset usage protocols.
• Drive revenue generation through SOF3 initiatives such as events, sponsorships, and fundraising functions, with a focus on increasing reserve funds.
• Manage athletics facilities, ensuring ongoing maintenance, safety compliance, and the implementation of improvement projects to support programme excellence. 

Marketing and Recruitment

• Promote NWU athletics to attract talented athletes and prospective students, contributing to institutional recruitment goals.
• Collaborate with relevant NWU departments to implement integrated sport marketing and brand management strategies.
• Identify strategic marketing, media, and branding opportunities to position NWU as a leading university in sport.
• Identify and pursue networking opportunities that contribute to institutional advancement through sport.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including Athletics Federations at provincial and national levels, to advance programme visibility and support.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with internal stakeholders (e.g., faculties, residences, recruitment offices) to enhance cross-functional support for marketing and recruitment efforts.
• Participate in strategic planning and innovation efforts to continuously improve the quality, reach, and sustainability of NWU’s athletic programmes.

 People Management

• Oversee the recruitment, appointment, and performance management of coaches across all athletic disciplines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality coaching without engaging in direct coaching duties.
• Implement regular coaching staff reviews and provide constructive feedback to promote continuous improvement.
• Ensure retention of qualified high-performance coaches through incentives in line with the NWU policies and rules.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for coaches, including upskilling workshops and participation in provincial and national athletics administrative bodies.
• Manage and resolve conflicts within the coaching team promptly and constructively.
• Support coaches in delivering effective training programmes that meet high-performance and athlete development goals.
• Foster a positive and collaborative coaching culture that encourages innovation and excellence.

• A bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Management or related field.
• Registration and membership with Athletic South Africa (ASA) or Sub - Affiliates.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ provincial and national experience in athletics management or high -performance management.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the management of people within a team related area – middle and senior management level. 

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• A relevant qualification in Marketing and Communication or Sport Science/Management (NQF Level 6).
• Level 2 Coaches Accreditation with Athletics South Africa.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ international experience in athletics management or high-performance athletics management.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• The ability to lead teams, motivate staff, and manage budgets effectively is crucial. 
• Strong organizational skills, experience with project planning and execution, and the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently are essential. 
• Knowledge of planning, organizing, and executing successful athletics/sporting events, including logistics, scheduling, and budget management. 
• Understanding of training methodologies, performance analysis, and periodization strategies for athletes. 
• Knowledge of managing athletic facilities, including maintenance, upgrades, and ensuring a safe and efficient environment. 
• The ability to develop and implement strategic plans for the university's athletic programs. 
• Strong communication skills are needed to interact with athletes, coaches, staff, and university administration and other stakeholders. 
• Experience in managing budgets, allocating resources, and ensuring financial sustainability of the athletic department. 
• Promote open and regular communication through coaching staff on athlete academics, coachability and social responsibility.
• Understanding of national and international athletic regulations and guidelines.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Planning and organising/work management.
• Quality commitment/work standards.
• Teamwork / collaboration.
• University awareness.