By Disability Sports Australia Media Team
Disability Sports Australia is seeking experienced leaders to join its independent, skills-based Board as the organisation continues to strengthen the systems that enable people with disability to take part in sport.
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national charity and Australian Sports Commission-recognised National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, focused on increasing participation in sport.
For more than 65 years, DSA and the organisations that came before it have helped shape disability sport in Australia.
Today, DSA works across all disability and all sport, partnering with sporting organisations, clubs, governments and communities to build capability, remove barriers and strengthen the systems that make participation possible.
DSA believes people with disability should be able to choose how and where they participate in sport. Its work helps people understand their options, connects them with opportunities in their communities and supports sport to become more accessible and responsive.
This work is guided by DSA’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, with a purpose to build the capability of sport to enable the meaningful participation of people with disability.
Board Opportunity
Ahead of DSA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, the organisation is seeking expressions of interest from experienced individuals for upcoming opportunities to join its Board for a term of up to three years.
Candidates may be considered for election by DSA members at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and/or for appointment to an available Board vacancy in accordance with the DSA Constitution.
The Board is responsible for the governance and strategic leadership of DSA, including setting organisational direction, overseeing performance and risk, and ensuring the organisation remains positioned to deliver its purpose.
Director positions are voluntary. Board meetings are generally held online every six weeks, with Directors also contributing to at least one Board subcommittee and up to two in-person strategy days each year.
Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses associated with DSA Board activities are reimbursed.
Skills Sought
In line with the Board Skills Matrix and upcoming retirements, DSA is particularly seeking applicants with expertise in:
- Finance, Audit and Risk: Senior financial, accounting, audit and/or risk management experience, including oversight of financial reporting, audit, internal controls, organisational risk and regulatory compliance.
- Commercial Partnerships: Experience developing significant corporate partnerships, sponsorships and other commercial relationships, with the ability to identify and support new revenue opportunities.
- Fundraising and Philanthropy: Experience in fundraising, philanthropy and donor engagement, including building philanthropic relationships and sustainable new sources of income.
- Sport Sector Experience: Senior leadership experience within the sport sector, ideally across National Sporting Organisations, State Sporting Organisations or similarly complex membership-based environments, with strong knowledge of participation and community sport.
DSA is seeking Directors who can contribute constructively to strategy, challenge thinking where appropriate, exercise sound judgement and bring diverse experience and perspectives to the Board.
Commitment to Diversity
Lived experience of disability is highly valued, and DSA particularly encourages applications from people with disability.
Applications are also strongly encouraged from women and gender-diverse people, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people and LGBTQIA+ communities.
DSA is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during Board participation.
Application Process
Expressions of interest must include:
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A CV (maximum four pages)
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A one-page cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for applying
Applications should be emailed to chair@sports.org.au by 5pm, Friday 2nd October 2026.
Applications will be assessed by the DSA Nominations and Remuneration Committee in accordance with the DSA Constitution. Suitable candidates may be interviewed as part of the process as submissions are received.
The names and biographies of candidates recommended to proceed will be provided to DSA members ahead of the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25 November.
Position Description
Job Advertisment
If candidates would like information in other formats email info@sports.org.au.
ENDS
Enquiries
For further information in relation to recruitment of this Non-Executive Director, please contact:
Dr Renae Domaschenz Email: chair@sports.org.au
ENDS
About Disability Sports Australia
sability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national non-profit, registered charity, and National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, dedicated to increasing participation in sport.
For more than 65 years, DSA and its predecessor organisations have helped shape disability sport across Australia. Today DSA works with its members, sporting organisations, governments, clubs and communities to increase participation opportunities for people with disability and strengthen how sport is delivered nationally.
