Competing in the NBL1 South Conference, the Nunawading Spectres have a proud history of developing athletes and coaches while competing at the highest levels of Australian basketball.
We are seeking an experienced and influential leader capable of building on the strong foundations established within our senior men’s program, driving competitive success and contributing to the continued development of athletes, coaches and support staff.
Interested and suitably qualified coaches are invited to review the position description and application instructions below.
About Nunawading Basketball
Nunawading Basketball is home to the Melbourne East Basketball Association (MEBA) and its representative teams, the Nunawading Spectres.
As one of Australia’s largest basketball associations, Nunawading Basketball supports more than 15,000 registered players, coaches and officials participating in regular domestic basketball competitions.
The Nunawading Spectres represent the Association across the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL), Victorian Basketball League (VBL) and NBL1 South competitions.
Our representative program is committed to developing athletes, coaches and people, providing an environment that challenges individuals, supports their development and prepares them for opportunities beyond Nunawading Basketball.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Head Coach – NBL1 South Men
Organisation: Nunawading Basketball – Melbourne East Basketball Association
Reports To: General Manager – Representative, Brand & Commercial
Department: Nunawading Spectres Representative Program
Appointment: 2027 NBL1 South Season, with appointment terms to be negotiated
Position Overview
The NBL1 South Men’s Head Coach is a leadership position within Nunawading Basketball, responsible for the competitive performance, development and overall direction of the Nunawading Spectres NBL1 Men’s team.
The successful applicant will be responsible for establishing and leading a competitive playing environment that challenges for success within the NBL1 South Conference, while maintaining a strong commitment to the individual development of athletes, coaches and support staff.
The Head Coach will play a central role in the recruitment and retention of athletes, the appointment and development of coaching and support personnel, and the establishment of a team environment built on trust, accountability, professionalism and a shared commitment to success.
Working collaboratively with the General Manager – Representative, Brand & Commercial, the Head Coach will contribute to roster construction and resource planning within the Association’s approved financial parameters.
The position also carries an important responsibility to strengthen the connection between the NBL1 Men’s program and Nunawading Basketball’s broader representative pathway, supporting the progression of athletes and coaches from junior representative basketball through the VBL and into NBL1 competition.
We are seeking a leader who understands that sustained competitive success is built through strong relationships, clear expectations, deliberate preparation and a commitment to developing people.
Key Accountabilities
Team Leadership & Competitive Performance
- Provide strategic, technical and tactical leadership of the Nunawading Spectres NBL1 South Men’s team.
- Establish and maintain a competitive environment capable of challenging for NBL1 South championship success.
- Develop and implement a clearly defined playing identity, supported by effective preparation, communication and accountability.
- Plan, coordinate and deliver all aspects of team preparation, including preseason, regular season and finals campaigns.
- Develop effective game strategies, opposition scouting processes and performance review practices.
- Establish clear expectations regarding athlete commitment, preparation, conduct and team standards.
- Foster a positive, demanding and supportive environment in which athletes and staff are challenged to continually improve.
Recruitment & Roster Management
- Lead player recruitment and retention in collaboration with the General Manager – Representative, Brand & Commercial.
- Contribute to the development of a balanced and competitive playing roster within the Association’s approved budget.
- Identify and recruit athletes whose playing ability, character and commitment align with the objectives of the program.
- Support the identification and development of emerging athletes capable of progressing into the NBL1 environment.
- Work collaboratively with management regarding player contracts, roster requirements and associated program resources.
- Maintain effective relationships with current, prospective and former athletes.
Coaching Staff & Program Leadership
- Lead the recruitment, appointment and development of appropriately qualified Assistant Coaches and support staff in collaboration with Nunawading Basketball.
- Establish clear responsibilities, expectations and accountability across the coaching and support team.
- Provide meaningful opportunities for the professional development of coaches and support personnel.
- Encourage collaboration, constructive feedback and shared ownership of the program’s direction.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and sound decision-making in challenging and competitive environments.
Athlete Development & Wellbeing
- Develop athletes technically, tactically, physically and mentally to perform successfully at NBL1 level and beyond.
- Recognise and respond to the individual development needs of athletes within the broader team environment.
- Establish positive relationships that support athlete engagement, accountability and wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with relevant support personnel to promote appropriate physical preparation, injury management and athlete welfare.
- Maintain an environment that respects the individual while demanding the standards required for competitive success.
Nunawading Basketball Pathway
- Contribute actively to the development and progression of athletes and coaches throughout the Nunawading Spectres representative pathway.
- Establish a collaborative working relationship with the VBL Men’s Head Coach and broader representative coaching group.
- Identify opportunities for emerging athletes to train, develop and gain experience within the NBL1 environment.
- Support greater alignment between the junior representative, VBL and NBL1 Men’s programs.
- Share knowledge, experience and expertise with coaches throughout the Association.
- Promote a program environment that prepares athletes and coaches for opportunities beyond Nunawading Basketball.
Organisational Responsibilities
- Work cooperatively and collaboratively with the General Manager, Nunawading Basketball staff and relevant program stakeholders.
- Attend and contribute to all scheduled team and program commitments, including training, games, meetings and official functions.
- Represent Nunawading Basketball professionally in interactions with athletes, families, officials, commercial partners, media and the wider basketball community.
- Support the Association’s commercial and community engagement activities where reasonably required.
- Ensure adherence to relevant NBL1, Basketball Victoria and Nunawading Basketball policies, regulations and expectations.
- Demonstrate a commitment to child safety, inclusion, integrity and the wellbeing of all participants.
Contribution to the Nunawading Basketball Pathway
The Nunawading Spectres NBL1 Men’s Head Coach is expected to play an influential role beyond the immediate results of the senior men’s team.
We believe our responsibility is to prepare athletes and coaches for where they are going, not simply where they are today.
The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to a connected representative program that develops people, provides meaningful opportunities for progression and maintains a strong sense of belonging across all levels of the Spectres pathway.
While competitive success at NBL1 level is a central expectation, the continued development of athletes, coaches and support staff is equally important to the long-term success of Nunawading Basketball.
Expected Behaviours & Competencies
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- Proven leadership capability within a competitive senior basketball environment.
- Strong technical and tactical understanding of contemporary basketball.
- The ability to establish and maintain a clearly defined team identity and competitive standards.
- Sound judgment, accountability and effective decision-making under pressure.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated experience in player recruitment, roster construction and team development.
- The ability to lead, challenge and develop athletes, coaches and support staff.
- A collaborative approach to working with management and other coaches.
- An understanding of the importance of athlete wellbeing and individual development.
- A commitment to building trust, creating clarity and maintaining high expectations.
- Professionalism, integrity, adaptability and a solution-focused approach.
- A willingness to contribute to the broader Nunawading Spectres representative program.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Basketball Australia Representative Coach Accreditation or higher.
- Valid Working with Children Check.
- Valid National Police Check.
- Current driver’s licence.
- Demonstrated experience coaching within a competitive senior basketball environment.
- Availability to fulfil the requirements of the NBL1 South season, including preseason preparation, training, games, travel and associated program commitments.
Desirable Experience
- Previous Head Coaching experience at NBL1 level or an equivalent senior basketball competition.
- Experience as an Assistant Coach within a professional or senior elite basketball environment.
- Demonstrated success in developing competitive senior playing groups.
- Experience in player recruitment, roster construction and management of coaching and support personnel.
- A history of developing athletes and coaches who have progressed to higher levels of competition.
Applications from experienced Assistant Coaches who demonstrate the leadership capability and readiness to transition into a senior Head Coaching role will also be considered.
Applications
Applications should include:
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for the position and your approach to leading the Nunawading Spectres NBL1 Men’s program.
- A current coaching résumé detailing relevant experience, qualifications and achievements.
Applications should be emailed to:
ポール・フリン
General Manager – Representative, Brand & Commercial
ナンワディングバスケットボール
paul@nunawadingbasketball.com.au
Applications close: 11:00am AEDT, Monday 9 November 2026.
Nunawading Basketball reserves the right to commence discussions with suitable applicants prior to the advertised closing date.
