Closing date for applications is 26th 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 looking for a Senior Media Operations Manager to join our Sydney team and play a key role in building the workforce that will deliver Rugby World Cup 2027. Reporting to the Head of Venues, you will be responsible for designing, planning and delivering world-class media operations and services that support thousands of accredited media representatives throughout the tournament. Working across eight host venues, you'll lead all aspects of media operations, including media facilities, accreditation, venue media teams, media services, language support and media and photographer operations, ensuring a seamless and consistent experience for domestic and international media.
You will collaborate closely with teams across Communications, Accreditation, Venue Management, Technology and World Rugby stakeholders to build and deliver the Media Operations function from the ground up. This role requires a hands-on media operations professional with proven experience delivering media functions within a major event environment and the ability to lead complex operational planning and delivery with a high degree of independence. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of media operations, including accreditation, media facilities, operations and venue media services. This opportunity will suit a highly organised and experienced major events professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys leading teams and stakeholders, and is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences on the global sporting stage.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of Media Operations for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, developing and managing the functional area operating plan, budgets, timelines, risks and key milestones.
- Design, plan and deliver media facilities and services across all host venues and team sites, including media workrooms, media conference areas, mixed zones, media tribunes, transport and language services.
- Act as the primary point of contact for international and national media organisations, delivering world-class media communications, media briefings, helpdesk support and practical information resources.
- Lead the planning and implementation of media venue overlay, branding, technology and operational requirements, ensuring a consistent media experience across all tournament locations.
- Oversee media accreditation and match allocation processes, including the development of media accreditation policies, terms and conditions, and TMS functionality requirements.
- Collaborate with Communications, Venue Management, Technology, Accreditation, World Rugby and other key stakeholders to deliver innovative, data-driven media services and exceptional tournament outcomes.
- Recruit, lead and develop a high-performing Media Operations team, including venue-based media managers, photographers and volunteers, while fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across media operations, identifying opportunities to enhance media and photo services, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the overall media experience throughout the tournament.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 7 years' experience in media operations, event operations or a related field, ideally within major sporting events or large-scale international events.
- Demonstrated experience leading and delivering media services, accreditation, press operations and venue media functions within a complex event environment.
- Proven experience owning media operations delivery at a major event, with the ability to lead a function independently and drive successful outcomes.
- Strong project management capability, including managing multiple workstreams, budgets, timelines, risks and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven leadership experience, including building, developing and motivating high-performing teams, contractors, volunteers and venue-based resources.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across media organisations, governing bodies, commercial partners and internal teams.
- Strong understanding of media operations, including media facilities, mixed zones, press conferences, accreditation systems, media ticketing and media service delivery.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with experience using project management and reporting tools such as Smartsheet, Tournament management systems or similar platforms.
- Flexible and willing to travel domestically and work outside standard business hours when required.
Desirable
- Experience delivering media operations for a Rugby World Cup, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cup or other major international sporting event.
- Knowledge of Rugby Union and the broader sporting landscape.
- Experience implementing accreditation, access management or operational systems within a major event environment.
- Experience working with international media organisations, news agencies and rights-holding stakeholders.
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 and 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.
