Head of Games & Athlete Engagement

Full-time, Permanent

Location: Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne

Paralympics Australia exists to lead Paralympic sport and create a more inclusive world. As the peak body for Paralympic sport in Australia, it has 23 member organisations and is responsible for selecting and managing Australian Paralympic Teams for the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. The Summer Paralympics has now been recognised as the world’s 3rd largest sporting event.

The prospect

Few leadership opportunities offer the chance to shape the experience of Australia's Paralympians on the world stage while creating a legacy that extends far beyond competition.

As Head of Games & Athlete Engagement, you will lead the delivery of Australia's Paralympic Team operations for Summer and Winter Paralympic Games and play a pivotal role in shaping how Paralympians are supported, celebrated and connected throughout their lives.

Working alongside some of Australia's most admired athletes, you will help create world-class Games environments, influence the athlete experience at the highest levels of sport, and build programs that strengthen lifelong engagement with the Paralympic community.

The next Paralympic Games - Los Angeles 2028 and Alpes 2030 - will be pivotal for the Paralympic Movement, before Brisbane 2032 provides the defining showcase of our generation.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of Games & Athlete Engagement will hold a rare and highly visible leadership mandate. The role will help shape the Australian Paralympic Team experience, lead Games delivery on the world stage and strengthen lifelong connection with Paralympians.

At Games time, you will lead the planning and delivery of Australian Paralympic Team operations, creating a world-class environment in which athletes, coaches and officials can perform at their best. Your remit will span logistics, accreditation, travel, village planning, risk management, wellbeing and athlete support, alongside the development of a unified team culture centred on belonging, inclusion and an exceptional athlete experience.

Beyond competition you will lead Paralympian Services, strengthening enduring and impactful connections with Paralympians and fostering an engaged alumni community.



You will create meaningful opportunities for Paralympians to stay continually connected with each other, the Paralympic Movement and PA , supported by initiatives including post-sport transition and employment, education and community engagement, alumni connection, Paralympic history and heritage.

You will also represent Paralympics Australia nationally and internationally, engaging with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) and other global partners to strengthen relationships and contribute to international policy and collaboration.

This is an opportunity to shape not only how Australia’s Paralympic Teams are supported at the world’s most significant sporting events, but also how Paralympians remain connected, recognised and supported beyond the Games.

About you

This role is well suited to a Paralympian, or someone with lived experience in disability or elite sport, who brings authenticity, credibility, and strong business acumen.

You are a senior executive with a proven track record in delivering major international projects and leading world-class performance environments, while building and empowering a high-performing team. You combine strategic thinking with strong execution capability and are comfortable making considered decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments where competing priorities, stakeholder needs, and organisational outcomes must be balanced.

A values-driven and inclusive leader, you lead through influence and relationships, bringing people together across functions, organisations, and geographies to achieve shared goals.

Passionate about athlete outcomes and inclusion, you understand the importance of supporting individuals beyond competition and are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for athletes to thrive during and after their sporting careers.



You are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the Paralympic movement, build enduring connection with Paralympians, and advance a more inclusive world through the power of sport.

What you will bring

- Tertiary qualifications in sport management or related field (postgraduate desirable)
- Demonstrated success as a Senior Leader in delivering complex, large-scale programs or international events
- Knowledge of the Australian sporting system, governance requirements and high-performance environments
- Experience in risk management, WHS and incident planning
- Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders including athletes, government, partners and federations
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and First Nations engagement

Why join PA?

- Rare opportunity to shape the Australian Paralympic Team experience on the world stage and be part of LA28, French Alps30 and Brisbane32 Paralympic games
- Leadership mandate spanning Games delivery and enduring and impactful Paralympian connection and help provide an experience that is both lifelong and cherished
- Flexible location across Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, with flexible working arrangements and not-for-profit salary packaging
- A passionate, high-performing team united by purpose, inclusion and impact

Our commitment: At Paralympics Australia, we prioritise the continuous development of our team members, nurturing leadership qualities. As a valued member of the PA team, you will receive support and opportunities for growth through access to ongoing professional development in leadership.

Paralympics Australia is an equal opportunities employer dedicated to fostering diversity and establishing an inclusive workplace for all employees. We welcome applicants with lived experience of disability or under-represented groups and encourage you to reach out if you require any reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the application and recruitment process. Korn Ferry is partnering with Paralympics Australia for this important appointment.

Please contact Shane Quarry via [email protected] with any questions and he will share the full Position Description.

How to Apply?

To apply directly for this opportunity, please submit your CV to [email protected]

SE: 510822793

📌 Head of Games & Athlete Engagement (Brisbane)
🏢 Korn Ferry
📍 Brisbane