Sport administration and management

What does life as a Sport Policy and Planning Manager look like?

As a Sport Policy and Planning Manager you’ll bridge the gap between the passion for sport and the realities required to make sport accessible and beneficial for society. You’ll be working behind the scenes developing strategic frameworks, policies and operational plans for sport organisations to increase participation and ensure compliance. Your typical day could include analysing industry trends, managing budgets and coordinating with stakeholders. Your role would be office-based and you could work for the government, a sporting organisation or a professional sports team.

Working as a Sport Policy and Planning Manager could be your dream career if you enjoy:

• communicating and building relationships with different people
• problem-solving
• analysing trends and data
• leading a team
• working under pressure

How do you become a Sport Policy and Planning Manager in Australia?

Ideally you’ll study some of the following High School subjects which are highly relevant for a career as a Sports Policy and Planning Manager:

• Business Studies (for financial management)
• Legal Studies (for sports law and compliance)
• English (for advanced communication skills)
• Maths (for data analysis and budgeting)
• PDHPE/Physical Education (to understand societal role of sport)

Becoming a Sport Policy and Planning Manager usually requires a Diploma, Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree in:

• Sports Management
• Business

However, you can also enter the field by gaining practical experience via an entry-level position such as a sport officer or coordinator and work your way up. Without a degree, it’s important to show extensive practical knowledge of sport governance, strategy and policy development.

Where could a career as a Sport Policy and Planning Manager take you?

A Sport Policy and Planning Manager typically starts their career in an entry-level role in sport admin or managing junior projects. As you progress in your career, you could work on specific policy development or community sport planning. With several years’ industry experience, you could move into a senior level role overseeing multiple portfolios, dealing with government funding or state-wide facility strategies. The skills and experience you gain as a Sport Policy and Planning Manager are a pathway to a variety of other fields in government or the private sector. You could also work in education, hospitality or for a nonprofit. 

What does life as a Sport Community Recreation Officer look like?

As a Sport Community Recreation Officer you’ll plan, deliver and promote a variety of recreation programs for the community to improve community health, wellbeing and social connection. Your typical day could include identifying the needs of the community, setting policy, liaising with community groups and prioritising projects and budgets. You’ll be working with lots of different stakeholders, from members of the community to local councils and schools. Sport Community Recreation Officers usually work in local government, community centres, schools or fitness organisations.

Working as a Sport Community Recreation Officer could be your dream career if you enjoy:

• working with people
• engaging with diverse groups
• advocating for the community and helping others
• working collaboratively
• planning events

How do you become a Sport Community Recreation Officer in Australia?

Ideally you’ll study some of the following High School subjects which are highly relevant for a career as a Sport Community Recreation Officer:

• PDHPE/Physical Education (to understand movement, fitness and community health)
• Biology/Science (for human anatomy and physiology)
• English (for communication skills and report writing)
• Business Studies (for organising and budgeting)

You can work as a Sport Community Recreation Officer without formal qualifications, but a Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following subjects may give you an advantage:

• Sport, Aquatics and Recreation  
• Leisure and Health
• Business Administration
• Sports Management

You can also enter the field through a traineeship in Community or Outdoor recreation, earning while you learn. Gaining hands-on experience at a local community centre or sports club, or through casual work can also act as a substitute for higher-level education.  

Where could a career as a Sport Community Recreation Officer take you?

A Sport Community Recreation Officer typically starts their career in an entry-level role working directly with the community. As you gain experience over time, you can receive increasing responsibility to potentially oversee multiple facilities and budgets. Experienced officers could also specialise in an area such as health and aged care, sports development or youth and community services. The skills and experience you gain as a Sport Community Recreation Officer are a pathway to a variety of other roles such as Leisure/Fitness Centre Manager, Outdoor Adventure Guide, Park Ranger or Event Manager. 

What does life as a Major Sporting Event Manager look like?

As a Major Sporting Event Manager you’ll organise large-scale sporting events making sure athletes, spectators and sponsors all have a seamless experience. Your typical day could include coordinating logistics, managing budgets, negotiating with vendors and working with security, marketing and broadcasters. Post-event analysis and ensuring a return on investment have become important drivers for the event industry. You could work at a professional stadium or training ground, indoor arena or for a community club.

Working as a Major Sporting Event Manager could be your dream career if you enjoy:

• communicating clearly
• working in teams
• critical thinking and problem-solving
• meticulous planning
• working under pressure to deadlines

How do you become a Major Sporting Event Manager in Australia?

Ideally you’ll study some of the following High School subjects which are highly relevant for a career as a Major Sporting Event Manager:

• English (for managing media, sponsors and stakeholders)
• Maths (for managing budgets)
• Business Studies (for event management and finance)
• PDHPE/Physical Education (to understand sporting contexts)
• IT (for logistical planning, social media)

Becoming a Major Sporting Event Manager usually requires a Diploma, Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree in:

• Business  
• Event Management
• Sports Management

However, you can also enter the field by gaining practical experience via an entry-level position such as an event assistant or through an internship and work your way up.

Volunteering at a major event to get behind-the-scenes experience is also a great way to develop contacts and build your resume for when you’re applying for future positions.

Where could a career as a Major Sporting Event Manager take you?

A Major Sporting Event Manager typically starts their career in a foundational role where you’ll gain hands-on logistics experience. As you progress in your career you could take ownership of a specific event or components of a major tournament. With 7+ years’ experience you could move into a senior level role such as Head of Events or Event Director where you’d focus on strategic planning, budgeting and stakeholder management. Alternatively, you could decide to specialise in an area such as sponsorship management or talent representation. The skills and experience you gain as a Major Sporting Event Manager are a pathway to a variety of other fields such as logistics management, crisis communication and corporate events.