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Community Engagement Lead
Rugby World Cup Australia
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations.
Job Posted- 1 Jul 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Australia
Closing date- 15 Jul 2026
Job description:
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.
We offer:
· 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 click APPLY NOW to begin the application process.