Overview
General Manger (CEO) Jobs in Keilor, Victoria, Australia at Sports Aviation Federation of Australia
Title: General Manger (CEO)
Company: Sports Aviation Federation of Australia
Location: Keilor, Victoria, Australia
Shape the Future of Flight
The Sports Aviation Federation of Australia (SAFA) is the national peak body administering hang gliding, paragliding, powered paragliding (paramotoring), and weight-shift microlights across Australia. Operating under delegation from CASA, we provide the legal and operational framework that makes it possible to fly these aircraft in Australia — supporting more than 3,000 members across over 30 clubs, 8 regional associations, and 35 flight training facilities nationwide.
Our mission is to enable members to fly. Our vision is to develop and grow our flying community. We are now seeking an exceptional General Manager (CEO) to lead our operations and drive delivery of our 2025 Strategic Plan.
About the role
This is a full-time role that offers genuine autonomy alongside clear accountability. You will report to the SAFA President and Board as SAFA's most senior operational leader, responsible for translating our strategic plan into action across five key areas: safety excellence, training and knowledge development, participation growth and engagement, partnerships and stakeholder engagement, and governance and operational administration.
Your key responsibilities will include:
• Leading SAFA's day-to-day operations and driving implementation of the Strategic Plan
• Maintaining the highest safety standards and supporting SAFA's co-regulatory relationship with CASA
• Supporting and developing SAFA's training and certification frameworks across all disciplines
• Growing participation and engagement and supporting the events and competition program
• Strengthening relationships with regional associations, clubs, members, CASA, Airservices Australia, and other key stakeholders
• Financial management, budgeting, and ensuring long-term organisational sustainability
• Leading and developing SAFA staff and volunteers, and modernising administrative systems
• Reporting regularly to the Board on performance against strategic objectives and key measures
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a leader with strong management credentials. Experience in the sport aviation community is valued but not essential — what matters most is your ability to build trust, run an effective organisation, and engage meaningfully with a passionate membership base.
You will bring:
• Demonstrated experience in an operational leadership or senior management role
• Strong financial literacy and experience managing budgets
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership style
• The ability to work effectively across a geographically distributed organisation
• Experience in a membership body, sporting organisation, or similar environment (highly regarded)
• A genuine connection to or interest in sport aviation (advantageous)
What we offer
• Salary of $120,000 – $150,000 per annum (plus superannuation), commensurate with experience
• Remote working arrangement is possible — must be based in Australia, with regular travel to the Melbourne office and occasional travel to other locations
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant sporting body at an exciting point in its strategic development
• A passionate and connected membership community across hang gliding, paragliding, paramotoring, and weight-shift microlights
• The chance to shape the future of flight in Australia
How to apply
SAFA is conducting targeted outreach for this role. If you have received this advertisement and believe you have the skills and experience we are seeking, we welcome your expression of interest.
Please submit the following to the SAFA President via email to [email protected]:
• A cover letter / expression of interest of no more than one page, outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you are well suited to it
• A resume of no more than three pages summarising your relevant experience and qualifications
Early expressions of interest are encouraged. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the SAFA President directly.
SAFA is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience in sport aviation.
Position Description
Organisational context
SAFA is the national peak body administering hang gliding, paragliding, powered paragliding (paramotoring), and weight-shift microlights across Australia. Operating under delegation from CASA, SAFA provides the legal and operational framework enabling individuals to participate in these aviation activities. SAFA supports more than 3,000 members through over 30 affiliated clubs, 8 regional associations, 35 flight training facilities, and 180 registered flying sites.
SAFA derives its authority from three sources: its Aviation Authority through CASA delegation; its Sporting Authority through ASAC membership and National Sporting Organisation status; and its Administrative Authority through its constitution as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
SAFA's 2025 Strategic Plan sets five interconnected objectives: Safety Excellence; Training and Knowledge Development Excellence; Participation Growth and Engagement; Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement; and Governance and Operational Administration Excellence. The General Manager (CEO) is the primary organisational leader responsible for delivering against these objectives.
Purpose of the role
The CEO manages SAFA's business operations, finances, people, and stakeholder engagement, under the direction of the SAFA President representing the Board. Over the longer term, the CEO leads delivery of the SAFA strategic plan in support of members and in conjunction with the Board.
Key responsibilities1. Strategic plan delivery
• Lead implementation of the SAFA strategic plan in partnership with the Board
• Identify and develop opportunities to advance SAFA's strategic objectives
• Report regularly to the Board on strategic progress, risks, and priorities
2. Financial management
• Develop, implement, and maintain annual budgets and resource allocation plans
• Manage SAFA's financial reporting and ensure strong financial controls
• Oversee SAFA's insurance portfolio and ensure coverage remains appropriate
• Ensure financial sustainability of the organisation
3. Business operations
• Oversee all day-to-day operations, ensuring tasks and projects are completed effectively
• Ensure SAFA meets its regulatory obligations, particularly under CASA-administered frameworks
• Maintain and improve SAFA's information systems and technology platforms
• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and standards across the organisation
• Identify and pursue opportunities for organisational growth and development
4. People and volunteers
• Recruit, onboard, and develop SAFA staff to achieve organisational objectives
• Foster a motivated and high-performing work environment
• Provide direction and support to staff and volunteers
• Improve organisational effectiveness through process development and continuous improvement
5. Stakeholder engagement and communications
• Manage SAFA's relationships with state member associations, clubs, and individual members
• Develop and implement public and member communication strategies, including through Airwaves and digital channels
• Manage external service providers and organisational contracts
• Represent SAFA with government bodies, CASA, Sport Australia, and other relevant organisations
• Maintain productive relationships with international sport aviation bodies as relevant
Key competencies
• Leadership — Demonstrates clear, values-driven leadership that builds trust and motivates others
• Operational management — Proven ability to manage complex operations across multiple functions
• Financial acumen — Sound understanding of budgeting, financial management, and reporting
• Communication — Highly effective written and verbal communicator across diverse audiences
• Stakeholder management — Skilled at navigating membership organisations and managing diverse stakeholder relationships
• Judgement — Makes sound decisions in complex and ambiguous situations
• Adaptability — Comfortable working autonomously in a remote and geographically distributed environment
Selection criteriaEssential
• Demonstrated experience in a senior management or executive leadership role
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and oversight
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with volunteers and community members
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a small organisational context
• Capacity to work independently and remotely while maintaining strong accountability to the Board
Desirable
• Experience working within a sporting body, member association, or not-for-profit organisation
• Understanding of CASA regulatory frameworks applicable to sport aviation
• Familiarity with or active participation in sport aviation (paragliding, hang gliding, or related disciplines)
• Experience managing or working alongside volunteer-led structures
Working conditions
- The General Manager (CEO) role is full-time. Candidates must be based in Australia. The role requires regular travel to SAFA's Melbourne office (Keilor East, Vic) as well as occasional attendance at events, competitions, and meetings across Australia. Travel is a routine feature of the position and candidates should be comfortable with this expectation.
