Job description
As Development Manager – Education at World Aquatics, you will lead the strategy, coordination, and delivery of global education programmes and pathways. The role focuses on advancing the education and professional development of Coaches and Technical Officials, as well as overseeing online learning across all aquatic sports.
You will manage the global education ecosystem, ensuring consistency, quality, innovation, and alignment across programmes, while supporting World Aquatics’ mission of development and inclusivity worldwide.
You will line-manage the Education Team (Coaches, Technical Officials, and E-Learning Coordinators) based in Budapest and Lausanne, report to the Senior Development Manager in Lausanne, and work closely with international stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Oversight of World Aquatics Education Pathways:
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of World Aquatics’ education pathways for Coaches, Technical Officials and online learning across all aquatic sports.
• Develop and implement a coherent, long-term education strategy aligned with World Aquatics’ Development objectives.
• Ensure consistency, quality assurance and alignment of education frameworks, certification structures and learning outcomes across all programmes.
• Lead, mentor and support Development Coordinators, ensuring effective planning, delivery and performance management.
• Foster collaboration across education workstreams to maximise impact and efficiency.
World Aquatics Coaches’ and Technical Officials’ Education Pathways:
• Oversee the design, implementation and continuous improvement of the Coaches’ and Technical Officials’ education frameworks.
• Ensure the effective delivery of certification courses, seminars, clinics, webinars and educational activities worldwide.
• Guide the review and updating of course content to ensure relevance, innovation and alignment with best practices.
• Oversee the maintenance and development of a global network of experts, educators and instructors.
• Ensure effective collaboration with National Federations, Continental Organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen education systems globally.
• Oversee the implementation of Olympic Solidarity initiatives related to education and training.
E-learning and Digital Education:
• Lead the strategic development and implementation of World Aquatics’ e-learning and digital education platform.
• Define and oversee the online education strategy for Coaches and Technical Officials.
• Ensure the development, delivery and continuous improvement of online courses, blended learning solutions and digital resources.
• Monitor user engagement, learning outcomes and platform performance to drive continuous enhancement.
• Ensure alignment between online and in-person education pathways.
Programme Evaluation and Reporting:
• Oversee the implementation and follow-up of monitoring and evaluation frameworks across all education programmes.
• Establish consistent evaluation mechanisms to assess quality, effectiveness and impact.
• Analyse reports and data provided by stakeholders and Development Coordinators, drawing conclusions and proposing programme improvements.
• Provide quarterly and annual reports on education programmes, or upon request from the line manager.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative impact analysis and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
Financial and Budget Oversight:
• Oversee budget planning, financial monitoring and reporting for the education portfolio.
• Ensure effective budget follow-up and financial compliance across programmes.
• Support Development Coordinators in managing invoicing and financial reporting.
Miscellaneous Tasks:
• Support cross-departmental initiatives related to education, development and events.
• Provide back-up support to other team members when necessary to ensure continuity of programmes.
• Contribute to operational planning and ad-hoc projects as required.
Profile required
Experience
Key Qualifications:
• Education, Language and IT Skills:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management, Education, or a related field.
• Full proficiency with Microsoft Office and other digital tools.
• Fluency (both written and oral) in English. Good knowledge of French, Spanish or other language skills a plus.
Experience and Skills:
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in education programme development and implementation, preferably in an international sports environment.
• Proven experience in managing teams and coordinating multiple programmes.
• Strong understanding of education systems, professional development pathways and capacity building.
• Experience working with international stakeholders and multicultural environments.
• Knowledge of coaching education, officiating education or high-performance sport is an advantage.
• Excellent organisational and strategic planning skills.
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving abilities.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced international environment.
• Flexibility in working hours, including occasional travel and event support.
• Culturally sensitive with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Budapest, Hungary
What we offer?
• Opportunity to work in an exciting, fast-paced, international sports environment.
• Involvement in major global sports events with possible opportunities to travel.
• Career development opportunities and room for creative experimentation.
• A supportive and diverse team in a multicultural workplace.
World Aquatics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
If you are interested in this position and you meet the requirements in the profile, please submit your application with a CV and Covering letter.
Company description
Who are we?
World Aquatics – formerly FINA (Féderation Internationale de Natation) – is the global governing body for the development of aquatic sports. Founded in 1908 and currently formed by 209 National Federations across five continents, World Aquatics is based in the Olympic-capital city of Lausanne. Our vision is to create ‘A world united by water, for health, life and sport and our mission is to ensure that everyone has the ability to participate, compete and benefit from aquatic sports across our six disciplines: Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming and High Diving.
Why Work for Us?
If you are looking to be part of a purpose-driven organisation within the sports industry and want to make a difference, then look no further. We are looking for talented, high-performing individuals who are willing to demonstrate their values and passion in a dynamic and challenging environment.
On 1/6/2026