POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position title Director of Cricket Performance Group High Performance Reports to CEO Position Type Full time, fixed term Location Auckland Date May 2021
Job Purpose The Director of Cricket Performance will lead the High Performance Pathway including all relevant programmes aligned to the overarching strategic high performance objectives set out by the Auckland Cricket Association.
This role will lead the strategic direction and the team that drives the Male & Female performance pillars, the Talent Identification & Pathway programme, and the Player & Coach Development programme.
The role will lead a progressive High Performance programme responsible for creating an environment that facilitates and drives continual improvement from players, coaches and staff to allow them to perform at the highest possible level.
It will be responsible for driving a values based culture which aligns to both our identity and our strategic direction, as we strive to become the leading cricket association in NZ.
Key Position Responsibilities
▪ Provide strategic leadership and ongoing planning for the Auckland Cricket High Performance programme that continues to drive alignment, development and performance across our system.
▪ Lead the Auckland Cricket High Performance team with direct responsibility for all the High Performance Programme pillars as stated in the ACA strategic high performance plan including the long term athlete and coach development strategy.
▪ To build a world class High Performance Programme for Auckland Cricket that is widely accepted as a benchmark for cricket in New Zealand.
▪ To effectively lead the development of all appointed High Performance staff, including but not restricted to the Head of Male Performance, the Head of Female Performance, the Talent Identification & Pathway Manager, and the Head of Player & Coach development.
▪ To manage all Budgeting and Finances of the Auckland Cricket High Performance Programme.
▪ Drive greater alignment between key external stakeholders across the association to achieve greater transparency and more regular communication where appropriate and applicable.
▪ Drive a progressive, transparent staff recruitment programme in accordance with the ACA recruitment and retention systems and processes.
Strategic Direction
▪ Create and maintain a High Performance Plan that aligns with Auckland Cricket and NZC’s strategic intent, and that drives the strategic direction of Auckland Cricket High Performance.
▪ Lead the strategic connection and communication with our high performance network that drives engagement, promotes understanding, and builds collaboration.
▪ Establish and grow key relationships with other sports and sporting bodies that build the long term strength of the Auckland Cricket high performance programme.
▪ Investigate and explore relationships that contribute to the ongoing commercial viability of the high performance programme.
Male Performance
▪ To lead the Head of Male Performance and the Aces programme in accordance with the ACA male performance strategic objectives.
▪ Ensure that the strategic male performance pillar is constructed, implemented and reviewed via the Head of Male Performance, in accordance with both a performance and development lens, and is critically aligned to U17, U19, A’s and Aces programmes
▪ To support the Head of Male Performance to build a world class and winning culture for the Aces players; one that includes the planning and delivery of resources that enable players and coaching staff to realise a player’s (and team’s) potential.
▪ To support the provision of appropriate resourcing to the Aces program.
▪ To lead the Head of Male Performance in the implementation, management and delivery of all player individual performance plans, including personal
development, disciplinary issues and end of season reviews are present. This will include integration with NZ Cricket’s High Performance and Black Cap management, on relevant Aces Black Caps’ IPP’s to ensure a clear development and performance plan with each player, that is followed by all parties.
▪ Alongside the Head of Male Performance implement and manage the recruitment and retention systems and processes for Aces contracted players. This may involve the recruitment process of overseas professional players when required.
▪ To ensure that the Head of Male Performance leads the effective integration of the Aces programme with the overall High Performance programme for Auckland Cricket (U17 - Aces). This includes but is not restricted to campaign management, technical & tactical skill development, player and coach development.
▪ To ensure that the Head of Male Performance effectively delivers pre-briefing and post-briefing of Aces Black Caps before, during and after each assembly with the Black Caps, to provide a simple, clear transition between the two environments each time.
▪ To effectively manage the Head of Male Performance in all systems & processes with respect to selection panels and selection process.
▪ To ensure that the Aces Team logistical requirements including clothing, accommodation, travel and budgets are delivered in accordance with the Cricket Operations manager.
▪ To ensure that the Head of Male Performance leads all necessary review processes in order to achieve strategic goals and maximise staff performance and accountability.
▪ To ensure that an annual facilities plan is designed, implemented and reviewed in accordance with the male programme requirements.
Female Performance
▪ To lead the Head of Female Performance and the Hearts programme in accordance with the ACA female performance strategic objectives.
▪ Ensure that the strategic female performance pillar is constructed, implemented and reviewed via the Head of Female Performance in accordance with both a performance and development lens, and is critically aligned to U17, U19, A’s and Hearts programmes.
▪ To support the Head of Female Performance to build a world class and winning culture for the Hearts players; one that includes the planning and delivery of
resources that enable players and coaching staff to realise a player’s (and team’s) potential.
▪ To support the provision of appropriate resourcing to the Hearts program.
▪ To lead the Head of Female Performance in the implementation, management and delivery of all player individual performance plans, including personal development, disciplinary issues and end of season reviews are present. This will include integration with NZ Cricket’s High Performance and White Fern management, on relevant Hearts White Ferns’ IPP’s to ensure a clear development and performance plan with each player, that is followed by all parties.
▪ Alongside the Head of Female Performance implement and manage the recruitment and retention systems and processes for Hearts contracted players. This may involve the recruitment process of overseas professional players when required.
▪ To ensure that the Head of Female Performance leads the effective integration of the Hearts programme with the overall High Performance programme for Auckland Cricket (U17 - Hearts). This includes but is not restricted to campaign management, technical & tactical skill development, player and coach development.
▪ To ensure that the Head of Female Performance effectively delivers the pre- briefing and post-briefing of Hearts White Ferns before, during and after each assembly with the White Ferns, to provide a simple, clear transition between the two environments each time.
▪ To effectively manage the Head of Female performance in all systems & processes with respect to selection panels and selection process.
▪ To ensure that the Hearts Team logistical requirements including clothing, accommodation, travel and budgets are delivered in accordance with the Cricket Operations manager.
▪ To ensure that the Head of Female Performance leads all the necessary review processes in order to achieve strategic goals and maximise staff performance and accountability.
▪ To ensure that an annual facilities plan is designed, implemented and reviewed in accordance with the female programme requirements.
Premier Club Cricket
▪ In association with the Community Cricket Manager; oversee the alignment of the High Performance programme and Auckland Cricket Premier Club Cricket competition (Male & Female)
▪ To ensure that the Premier Club Cricket programme is effectively integrated and aligned with the overall High Performance strategy for Auckland Cricket.
▪ Liaise with both the Head of Male & Female Performance & the Community Cricket Manager on Aces/Black caps and/or Hearts White Fern players availability for club cricket during the season.
Auckland A
● To lead the Head of Male and Female Performance in the alignment, construction, and implementation of an appropriate programme for the Auckland A Men’s & Women’s teams to assist the development of those players outside the Aces & Hearts playing XI’s and promising Premier club players.
● To support the Head of Male & Female Performance & the Aces/Hearts assistant coaches to provide appropriate resources, support staff and team protocols for the respective A programme’s.
● To ensure that the male & female A programmes are effectively integrated with the overall High Performance programme for Auckland Cricket, including Premier grade club cricket.
● To support the Head of Male/Female Performance & Talent Identification & Pathway Manager to effectively manage the selection process for all A teams. This includes utilisation of the necessary talent identification systems and processes to provide quantifiable data on all players.
● To ensure all the necessary review processes are followed in order to achieve strategic goals and maximise staff performance and accountability.
Age Group and Rep Teams
● To lead the Talent and Pathways Manager in ensuring the alignment, construction, and implementation of an appropriate programme for the Auckland U17 & U19 Mens & Womens teams, to assist the development of those players outside the Aces & Hearts & respective A playing XI’s, and promising Premier club and school players.
● To support the Head of Male/Female Performance & Talent Identification & Pathway Manager to effectively manage the selection process for all age group teams. This includes utilisation of the necessary talent identification systems and processes to provide quantifiable data on all players.
● To lead with the Head of Male and Female Performance, the appropriate resources, support staff and team protocols are in place for these team programmes.
● To support the Head of Male/Female Performance & Talent Identification & Pathway Manager to effectively manage the selection process for all age group teams.
● To support the Head of Player & Coach Development to ensure that these Age Group programmes are effectively integrated with the overall High Performance programme for Auckland Cricket.
Talent Identification & Pathway Programmes
▪ To support the Talent Identification & Pathway Manager to grow and develop the Talent ID programme and formalised Talent ID Network for Auckland Cricket, that sees talented cricketers identified at an early age and offered a comprehensive programme that realises their potential.
▪ Assist the Talent Identification & Pathway Manager in constructing, implementing and reviewing all talent identification systems and processes in order to develop a quantifiable pipeline for future succession and sustainability.
▪ To support the Head of Player & Coach Development in facilitating Auckland Cricket’s best talent, utilising the best coaching staff and resources available.
▪ To assist the Community Cricket Manager in providing support to local club and district Talent ID programmes and academies.
▪ To ensure that the Talent ID and Pathway programmes are effectively integrated with the overall High Performance programme for Auckland Cricket.
Player Development
▪ To ensure that the three stage player development Academy programme is implemented in accordance with the programmes key objectives, and is directly aligned and integrated to the high performance player development pathway.
Coach Development
▪ To support the Head of Player & Coach Development in the construction & implementation of an “elite high performance” pathway and programme for all aspiring coaches, managers and selectors that realises the potential of individuals within these programmes.
▪ To provide support to the Head of Player & Coach Development in providing specialised coaching courses for aspiring coaches that align with ACA and NZC coaching pathways.
▪ To support the Head of Player & Coach Development in providing career development opportunities for identified premier club coaches, representative coaches, managers and selectors.
▪ To ensure that coaches, managers and selectors are effectively integrated with the overall High Performance programme for Auckland Cricket.
Technical and Specialist Support Staff
● To lead the Head of Male and Female Performance in supporting the requirements of all the High Performance Teams mentioned, including and not limited to, Strength & Conditioning, Physiotherapy, Video Analysis, Mental Skills, Specialised Batting, Bowling and Fielding expertise.
● To ensure that the Auckland Cricket High Performance programme utilises the latest best practice technology and systems available to cricket and professional sports.
● To ensure that all technical and specialist support staff are effectively integrated with the overall High Performance programme for Auckland Cricket.
NZC
▪ Primary centralised contact between NZ Cricket’s High Performance Programme, including the Black Caps and White Fern programmes, and Auckland Cricket in all relevant matters.
▪ To ensure all NZC requirements as set out in the High Performance Service Level Agreement are adhered to and reviewed on an annual basis.
▪ Lead the ongoing development of collaboration and relationship building with NZC HP staff that creates benefit for the ACA High Performance Programme.
Other
● To lead Auckland Cricket’s representation and teams in any overseas competitions.
● To provide opportunities to develop effective relationships with other Major Associations and alternative sporting codes, that may benefit Auckland Cricket.
● To ensure the pathways from the Community area within Auckland Cricket are working with and for the benefit of the High Performance Programme.
● Any other relevant cricket projects that may be required from time to time and as directed by the Auckland Cricket CEO.
Person Specifications
Level of Education Tertiary
Field of Education Sports business management , Experience in High Performance Sport, Business Administration, Education
Years of Experience 7+ years
A proven track record in high performance cricket at major association, international or equivalent level.
The listed essential experience / knowledge preferably to have been gained in high performance cricket environments or similar performance environments.
Experience in a professional high performance sporting Specific environment, more specifically experience in high Knowledge/Skills performance cricket.
Strategic programme design, delivery and assessment. This will include the development and management of annual strategic and operational plans;
Strategic leadership including progressive staff management in order to drive a professional development culture, across all high performance pillars
To have well-developed communication skills both written and oral;
An understanding of the cricket environment within New Zealand and the professional contracting model
Understanding and appreciation of the ACA cricket experience in both player and coach development – strategic pillar model
Business acumen to include budget management and delivery, financial application to specific programmes and review
To have an ability to attract, motivate and retain skilled professional staff in a performance focused environment;
To have strong time management and organisational skills;
To have an ability and willingness to embrace change positively and constantly seek new and improved ways for doing things;
To have an understanding of sport coaching and coaches.
Interpersonal/Influencing
Functional Managerial Leadership Competencies Strategic Sports/Business Management
Professional
Commercial acumen
Functional/Operational
Core Values Integrity – We uphold high consistent standards of behaviours, have deep respect for honesty. Continually searching for a better way, accepting and celebrating differences.
Challenge – We challenge each other for a better way, we enjoy tension when facing challenges and embrace progress.
Responsibility – We are responsible for our actions and how we behave and interact. We share credit and responsibility in the protection and promotion of wellbeing.
Achievement – With effort, skill and courage we embrace success and failure to develop well rounded individuals and athletes. When we carry out our plans we will achieve as individuals and as a team.
Key Relationships
Position reports to: CEO Other areas/ people that report to this positions immediate manager: This role’s direct Head of Male Performance reports: Head of Female Performance Talent Identification and Pathway Manager Head of Player & Coach Development
External Relationships Internal Relationships ● NZC ● Male & Female Performance ● Other MA’s resource coaches ● High Performance Sport NZ ● Head of Physical Performance – ● Other RSO/NSO High Aces Performance personnel ● Head of Physical Performance - ● Schools Hearts ● Clubs ● Physiotherapists – Aces & Hearts ● Head of Mental Skills ● Athlete Performance Support Leads/Providers ● Cricket Operations Manager ● Community Cricket Manager
Acknowledgement of Position Description
Manager Name: Signature: Date:
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