Join Surf Life Saving Australia
Help bring Surf Life Saving’s mission to life through impactful, purpose‑driven design.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is Australia’s leading authority in coastal safety, drowning prevention, and rescue operations. With more than 198,000 members across 315 affiliated Surf Life Saving Clubs, we represent the largest volunteer movement of its kind in Australia.
Since 1907, Surf Life Saving has saved over 700,000 lives. Our mission is clear — to turn the tide on coastal drownings — and our vision is zero preventable deaths in Australian waters. Everything we do supports safer coasts and stronger communities.
By joining SLSA, you’ll be part of an organisation committed to purpose, community, and meaningful impact.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Manager Brand, Marketing & Communications, the Design Manager plays a critical role in supporting SLSA’s mission by overseeing the delivery of high‑quality, engaging visual content across campaigns, fundraising initiatives, events, and digital channels.
The role manages one direct report (Designer) and coordinates internal and external creative resources to ensure consistency, quality, and timely delivery. This is a full‑time role, based at our iconic Bondi Icebergs office.
Key responsibilities
- Oversee creative development across print, digital, marketing, fundraising, email, and social channels
- Ensure all design output aligns with SLSA brand guidelines and is delivered accurately and on time
- Adapt and repurpose creative assets to drive efficiency across platforms
- Maintain correct and consistent use of SLSA visual identity and IP
- Manage workflow, approvals, and delivery timelines
- Act as the primary point of contact for design‑related stakeholder enquiries
- Manage relationships with external creative agencies and suppliers
- Identify opportunities to improve creative processes and delivery
Who You Are
Our ideal candidate will have:
Qualifications:
- Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in Graphic Design, Digital/Visual Design, or a related discipline
Knowledge & experience:
- Experience overseeing a design function or studio
- Proven delivery of complex print and digital projects (e.g. Annual Reports)
- Strong understanding of production workflows
- Not‑for‑profit or fundraising experience (desirable)
Skills & attributes:
- Strong creative design capability and attention to detail
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Confident managing multiple deadlines
- Clear, professional communication
- Collaborative, flexible, and solutions‑focused
SLSA Benefits and Culture
SLSA is committed to ensuring all employees have a healthy work-life balance within their role. We offer a range of benefits designed to support flexibility, wellbeing and career growth:
- Hybrid working and flexible arrangement options
- Supportive, inclusive workplace culture
- Fitness Passport access
- Professional development opportunities
- As Surf Life Saving is a not-for-profit organisation, you will have access to salary packaging
- The chance to make a genuine, life‑saving impact
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re ready to join a dynamic team and contribute to SLSA, we want to hear from you. Apply
now and be part of our mission to save lives and keep our beaches safe.
Mandatory screening questions
To be considered for the role, applicants must address the following in their cover letter:
- Briefly outline your qualifications and experience in graphic or visual design, including the types of print and digital projects you have delivered.
- Describe your experience managing multiple design tasks or projects at once. How do you prioritise work, manage deadlines, and prepare artwork for production?
- How do you ensure design quality and brand consistency when working with multiple stakeholders or other contributors across an organisation?
Eligibility
- Please note that only applicants with the eligibility to work in Australia will be considered for this role. To be successful, you must hold full Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship.
- SLSA is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive workplace.
- SLSA values diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply for any of our recruitment opportunities.
- SLSA ensures a commitment to safeguarding children and young people. All candidates will be required to undertake a working with children check before commencing work with SLSA.
- SLSA provides workplace adjustments for people with a disability.
- SLSA reserve the right not to proceed with any appointment.
- SLSA reserves the right to interview candidates or fill the position prior to the closing date if a suitable applicant is found.
