Manager, National Academy Operations and Pathway Competitions/ Responsable des opérations de l’Académie nationale et des compétitions des filières

Rugby Canada•Langford, BC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, National Academy Operations and Pathway Competitions leads the delivery of Rugby Canada’s National Academy programs at the National Training Centre in Langford, BC, and Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Calgary, AB. The role oversees academy operations, pathway competitions, regional development camps, athlete services, budgets, communications, and stakeholder coordination in support of Rugby Canada’s high-performance pathway. The role manages day-to-day academy operations, including facilities, budgets, staff supervision, athlete services, communications, recruitment and retention support, coaching coordination, strength and conditioning, medical services, and performance planning. The Manager supports the integration of National Team athletes into NTC and RTC environments by coordinating training opportunities, athlete support services, and individualized preparation plans aligned with key international competitions and performance windows. The Manager also coordinates pathway competitions that support Rugby Canada’s National Team development system, working with National Team coaches, the Pathway Manager, and PSO partners on representative programs, regional competitions, and athlete development camps across Canada. Success in this role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and organizational skills to deliver high-performance athlete development programs, pathway competitions, talent identification initiatives, and integrated National Team support. Rugby Canada operates as One Squad: a unified high-performance system where programs collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another across the pathway. This role is expected to support national team and provincial programs through camps, training centres, competitions, knowledge transfer, and representation of Rugby Canada’s values and standards.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Sport Management, Business Administration, Kinesiology, Recreation, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Minimum of three (3) years' experience in high-performance sport operations, athlete services, or program management within a national, provincial, professional, or university sport environment
Demonstrated commitment to athlete welfare, Safe Sport, equity, diversity, and inclusion
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and athlete management, registration, or sport information systems
Valid Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent) and ability to travel extensively within Canada
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours in support of camps, competitions, and national team activities
Eligibility to work in Canada and obtain all required travel documentation
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks effectively and adapt work schedules to accommodate multiple programs during overlapping competition or training windows
Professional flexibility in working with different coaching staff, athletes, and stakeholders across the organization
Commitment to effective and timely communication
Ability to work with and manage staff from a distance

Responsibilities

Manage and lead the delivery of the National Academy located at the National Training Centre, Langford, BC, including facility bookings, player and staff communication, budgets, player and staff deliverables, and human resource leadership
Connect with all key national team staff to support the delivery of National Academy programming
Manage and engage all critical stakeholders and partners in the region as required to support collaboration and evolution of the National Academy
Manage and lead the delivery of academy programs operating out of identified regional training centres (RTCs), including facility bookings, player and staff communication, budgets, player and staff deliverables, and human resource leadership
Connect with all key national team staff to support the delivery of RTC programming
Manage and engage all critical stakeholders involved in the delivery of each RTC, and maintain close contact with universities and U SPORTS as required
Work with national team staff and local stakeholders (PSOs) to plan and deliver regional competitions
Provide necessary communication to stakeholders, coaches, and players
Manage the budget from Rugby Canada's contribution to best support each competition
Deliver thorough and effective communication and end-of-season reviews to continually advance our domestic pathways
Support national team coaches in the planning and delivery of development camps in Canada
Manage the logistics and operations required to deliver development camps
Lead player and staff communication for all camp activities
Manage budgets to ensure the successful delivery of development camps
Monitor and review player and staff deliverables on a regular basis
Administer the registration of national program and pathway players and staff in Rugby Canada's Play HQ registration system
Coordinate training field and facility bookings/cancellations in conjunction with the management teams
Arrange performance program catering as needed to ensure all dietary requirements are accommodated during camps and assemblies
Purchase team tour snacks and supplies as directed by team management and nutrition specialists
Oversee daily kit inventory and planning with operational staff, including pressing team jerseys and kit prior to tours and camps
Organize team ground transport as required, which can include driving a van to/from the airport and/or ferry terminal from time to time
Serve as front-line contact for players and staff regarding day-to-day equipment needs during centralized camps and training
Prioritize player welfare in accordance with Rugby Canada and World Rugby's standards and protocols, ensuring a healthy and supportive environment for players
Be an active and integral part of all national programming as required to support the Training Centres and domestic programming
In alignment with Rugby Canada's One Squad ethos, this role includes responsibilities for supporting other programs across the organization. While Training Centres and domestic programming (camps and competitions) remain the role's primary focus, contributing to the success of all Rugby Canada programs is a core expectation of this position, including Age-Grade Programs, National Senior 15s & 7s Programs, Education & Mentorship, the High-Performance Department, and knowledge transfer. These responsibilities are coordinated with the direct line manager to balance primary commitments with organizational needs, with clear communication and advance notice provided whenever possible.