Sail Canada, the governing body for the sport of Sailing in Canada, is seeking a committed dynamic individual to lead a high performance program that places Canadian sailors in positions to achieve sustained international success at identified events.
The successful candidate will build and develop relationships and credibility with international level athletes, coaches and stakeholders.
He/she will have demonstrated success at leading successful, large and complex programs which rely on the collaboration and commitment of internal and external stakeholders, preferably including some significant experience in such a role within sport. A strong understanding of the structure and dynamics of Canadian sport and international best practice is required to achieve the strategic high performance objectives of Canadian
Sailing.
This role presents a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the delivery of high performance programs both strategically and operationally throughout Sailing in Canada.
PRIMARY DELIVERABLES
The High Performance Director will deliver:
1. Establish and critically review the strategic direction of the high performance program to support consistent medal capable performance at identified events.
2. A high performance program which is managed and directed with clarity, conviction and accountability for all program partners to ensure key performance indicators are achieved.
3. An organisational culture of continuous excellence demonstrated by athletes, coaches and all high performance support staff.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The High Performance Director’s responsibilities include:
•
Developing and delivering a robust high performance plan which provides clear direction, strategies, measurable program objectives, priorities and accountabilities to ensure a cohesive and truly national Sailing high performance program.
•
Leading and managing the coordination, integration and effectiveness of a fully aligned High Performance Program partnership in conjunction with Sport Canada,
Canadian Olympic Committee, Own the Podium, Sports Institutes and provincial sporting organisations.
•
Identifying elite and emerging sailing talent
•
Providing leadership, direction and effective management, guidance, advice and support to staff, volunteers and service providers. This would include the:
•
Creating a shared sense of purpose and commitment, and drive ownership of common goals for all components of the high performance program and its partners.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates applying for the High Performance Director role will require a range of personal and professional skills, including:
Experience
Demonstrated success at leading successful, large and complex programs which rely on the collaboration and commitment of internal and external stakeholders. Preferably including some significant experience in such a role within sport.
Knowledge
Strong understanding of the structure and dynamics of Canadian sport, including the

interrelationships at local, provincial and national level
A knowledge of the factors affecting Canada’s high performance competitiveness internationally and knowledge of trends in international level Sailing
Understanding of the needs of successful elite athletes and coaches in order to be successful internationally including the role of sports science and sports medicine to achieve performance outcomes
Skills and personal attributes
The ability to lead others with conviction and purpose.
Highly effective communicator with the ability to communicate complex data in terms that are easily understood by a wide range of audiences, including board members, external stakeholders, athletes and coaches.
High level strategic planning skills, to develop clear and concise plans about what has to be achieved
Demonstrated ability to manage financial resources.
The ability to negotiate outcomes with partner organisations and to optimise the contribution of a diverse range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in establishing effective group dynamics and resolving situations of competitiveness and conflict.
Exemplifies personal drive and integrity, displays resilience, and takes personal responsibility for maintaining momentum to meet objectives and progress work.
Demonstrates a real belief in the potential of others and takes active steps to encourage others to achieve potential.
A willingness to work non-business hours and to travel extensively both domestically and internationally.
LOCATION
Sail Canada is headquartered at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Kingston, Ontario.
COMMENCEMENT
Sail Canada recognises that interested candidates may have obligations to complete the
Olympic cycle. A later starting date due to these obligations will not be a barrier to employing the best candidate.
HOURS OF WORK
This is a full time position. Due to the nature of the role, some after office hours and weekend work will be required.
REMUNERATION
$115,000 plus benefits
WEBSITE
Sail Canada has a comprehensive website which includes information and news items on all facets of its activities, services and programmes. click here
APPLICATIONS
Applications should be sent to hr@sailing.ca
with a letter of introduction of no more than 2 pages and an accompanying CV of no more than 6 pages, merged as one MS Word file.
Applications should be with Sail Canada no later than March 5 2016.