Waitakere Cricket Club is a community based sports club in west Auckland with the mission of providing enjoyable social and competitive cricket to the local community.

Situated in the heart of West Auckland at Te Atatu Peninsula, WCC has much to offer both senior and junior players. With committed and knowledgeable coaches, a junior skills’ development programme, newly refurbished practice nets and a great club room with an on-site catering team, mean that WCC is a progressive as well as sociable and welcoming club.

We can cater to players with a broad range of interests and abilities, from those who want to play competitively in our Premier grades to those who simply enjoy a game of social cricket.

We are also proud of our long tradition of promoting women’s and girls’ cricket in both senior and junior grades. In addition, our very popular Have a Go & Starter programmes are aimed at getting our very young beginners (school years 0-2) enjoying cricket and developing basic skills.

The club has a very large and growing junior membership, and over recent seasons has worked on programmes to support players, coaches and volunteers through these age groups.To further enhance this programme the club is looking to employ a full-time Development Manager. This role will lead our Youth cricket programme at the club and schools, support our coaching network and develop pathways for players of all levels.

 

Job Overview

As the Director of Cricket, you will be responsible for providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to all cricket-related activities within our organization. 

This role demands a deep understanding of the sport, exceptional management skills, and a passion for nurturing talent and driving excellence at all levels.

Key Strategic Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning and Vision:  Develop and implement a forward-thinking strategic plan for the cricket department, aligning with the organization's mission and objectives. Continuously assess and refine strategies to ensure competitiveness and sustainability. 

2. Player Development and Pathway: Oversee the design and execution of a comprehensive player development pathway, from grassroots to elite levels. Ensure the provision of high-quality coaching, training programs, and support services to maximize the potential of our players.

3. Team Management and Performance: Lead the coaching staff and support team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Set clear performance standards, monitor team progress, and implement strategies to enhance performance on and off the field.

4. Recruitment and Talent Identification: Spearhead the recruitment process for players, coaches, and support staff, utilizing extensive networks and scouting resources to identify and attract top talent. Develop robust talent identification programs to ensure a pipeline of promising players for future success.

5. Data Analysis and Performance Metrics: Harness the power of data analytics and performance metrics to evaluate player and team performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and drive evidence-based decision-making. Utilize insights to tailor coaching strategies and optimize performance outcomes.

6. Budget Management and Resource Allocation: Develop and manage the cricket department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support player development, coaching programs, facilities maintenance, and other operational needs. Identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation.

7. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building: Build and nurture positive relationships with key stakeholders, including players, coaches, administrators, sponsors, media, and governing bodies. Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance the profile and reputation of the organization within the cricketing community.

8. Compliance and Governance: Ensure compliance with all relevant rules, regulations, and codes of conduct set forth by national and international cricketing authorities. Uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and sportsmanship in all aspects of cricket operations.

Key Operational Responsibilities:

• You will design the overall coaching strategy and coaching vision. All coaches will report to you every week on all matters. 
   
• You will be a Head Coach for the Premier Team and will be ably assisted by an assistant coach for the Premier Reserve and Third team.  Develop Premier and Reserves and one Squad and Develop Premier Reserve and Third Team as one Squad. 
   
• Communicates effectively with the Premier Women’s Coach, Premier Reserve Coach, Team Captains, and Team Leaders of the Premier, Premier Reserve, and Wider Grade Teams around player performance/availability which ensures all teams’ needs are met and player eligibility is not compromised. 
   
• Head Selector - Selects the Premier Mens, Reserve, and Wider Grade Teams in consultation with respective Premier Reserve and Wider Grade Team Coach, Captains, and Leadership teams for each match day by Tuesday evening. Attends all Premier Team Match Days.
   
• Run Training for Prems and Reserves on Training nights – Tuesdays and Thursday. 
   
• Junior Coach Development role
   
  • Attend relevant NZC & ACA Workshops 
  • Provide Coaching Plan for club coaches. 
  • Provide coaching to club coaches, school and affiliated coaches 
  • Monitor and contribute to club coaches and manager communications (e.g. Whatsapp chats) 
  • Extra coach development support as required 
  • Maintain awareness of NZC programs and implement 
  • Monitor number of coaches registered, attendance at coach trainings, completion of online trainings 
  • Provide workshops for club coaches 
  • Update club Board on above matters from time to time as relevant 

• Liaise with ACA & NZC on coaching matters as and when required Provide report to Board April 2024 (collectively “Services”)

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field or have practical experience of playing cricket at the minimum First Class level in NZ or Overseas equivalent.  
• Proven track record of success in cricket coaching, player development, and team management.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to inspire, motivate, and mentor others.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate trends, assess risks, and capitalize on opportunities.
• Sound knowledge of cricketing techniques, tactics, and regulations.
• Experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource optimization.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and performance tracking systems.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cricketing community.
• Passion for the sport of cricket and a genuine desire to contribute to its growth and development.

As the Director of Cricket, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization and making a meaningful impact on the cricketing landscape. If you are a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success and a deep love for the game, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

Applications close on Friday 12th April 2024, and should include a covering letter detailing relevant experience along with an up to date resume. All applications can be address to the Club Secretary at: secretary@waitakerecricket.co.nz
 

Article added: Tuesday 09 April 2024