Closing date for applications is 15th July 2026
Full time Fixed Term Contract start September 2026 until November 2027
Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia
The Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events — the Rugby World Cup 2027 (Men’s). More than a tournament, it’s a celebration of Rugby’s spirit, Australia’s culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.
Rugby World Cup Australia is seeking an experienced and passionate Community Engagement Lead to join the team for Rugby World Cup 2027. Based in Sydney and reporting to the Activations & Community Engagement Manager, you will lead the delivery of grassroots programs, community activations and engagement initiatives across rugby clubs, schools and multicultural communities, creating meaningful connections with fans, inspiring participation and building excitement in the lead-up to the tournament.
Working within the Marketing and Communications team, you will collaborate with Rugby Australia, State Unions, Host Cities, schools, community organisations and a range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programs, milestone events and fan-focused experiences that drive awareness, engagement and ticket sales. Combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, you will play a key role in ensuring Rugby World Cup 2027 connects with diverse communities across the country, while contributing to the tournament’s attendance, viewership, participation and legacy objectives.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Deliver community engagement programs across rugby clubs, schools and multicultural communities, supporting the Rugby World Cup 2027 community engagement strategy.
- Plan and deliver community activations, promotional events and fan engagement initiatives that build excitement, increase brand awareness and support ticket sales across host cities.
- Coordinate and support key tournament milestones and campaigns, including the Trophy Tour, One Year to Go, 100 Days to Go and Schools Program initiatives.
- Work closely with the Activations & Community Engagement Manager to manage the day-to-day delivery of engagement programs, events, campaigns and roadshows.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Communications and World Rugby teams to ensure community activations align with broader marketing objectives and maximise media and fan engagement opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Rugby Australia, State Member Unions, Host Cities, schools, clubs and community organisations, to extend the reach and impact of engagement activities.
- Support the creation of engaging content for digital and social channels while contributing to reporting, project coordination and the successful delivery of community engagement objectives.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 2 years' experience delivering community engagement programs within sport, major events, entertainment or community-focused environments. (mandatory)
- Demonstrated success developing and delivering school, club and grassroots participation programs, including initiatives that engage multicultural and diverse communities.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across sporting organisations, community groups, government stakeholders and internal teams.
- Proven experience planning and delivering community activations, events and campaigns from concept through to execution, while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
- Strong project management, organisational and operational skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Creative and innovative mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to increase participation, fan engagement and community impact.
- Excellent communication, presentation and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, manage external agencies and suppliers, and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Experience managing budgets and reporting on program outcomes, supporting ticketing, participation or other commercially focused initiatives, and flexibility to travel and work evenings, weekends and event-related hours as required.
Why You’ll Love It Here
- Competitive salary: We know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.
- Hybrid game plan: Work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with a 3-day in-office schedule (Tues–Thu), moving to full-time in-office in 2027 as the tournament approaches.
- Unbeatable location: A modern space across from Sydney’s Hyde Park , just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall , surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
- Wellbeing first: Weekly fresh fruit, Lunch & Learns and a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.
- Locker-room ready: Showers, fresh towels, and Dyson hair tools so you can reset and refresh any time.
- Team spirit: Weekly drinks and social catchups that celebrate wins big and small.
- Make your mark: Play a key role in bringing the third largest sporting event in the world to life right here in Australia!
Australia’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby’s growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) and cover letter outlining your suitability based on the requirements for the role via the APPLY NOW link. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.
In setting expectations, there will be a 2-round interview process in our Sydney office.
All applicants need to be able to obtain their own unlimited working rights in Australia.
We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and no fees will be payable.
Rugby World Cup Australia is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.
