"Windsurfing is making a comeback and we need a visionary CEO to drive strategic growth," writes the PWA. The riders' association is looking for new people for two key positions: in addition to a CEO, an event manager is also to be recruited. However, both positions are initially only part-time at 20 hours per week. The PWA posted the job offers on its social media channels yesterday evening.
Successor for tour manager Rich Page
Despite a very successful season with good events and a great livestream, there is rumbling behind the scenes at the PWA. Tour manager Rich Page, who has been with the organisation for many years and is not always uncontroversial but has a wealth of experience, will no longer be involved in the coming season. In addition to the position of Tour Manager, there is also the Management Board, which includes PWA President Nico Prien, three other rider representatives (Jordy Vonk, Dieter van der Eyken and Jane Seman) and three honorary representatives from the windsurfing industry. These are currently Arnon Dagan from Future Fly, Robert Stroj from NeilPryde and Francisco Goya.
Rich Page was still present at the World Cup on Sylt, but by his own admission did not know whether he still had his job as tour manager at that time. The rumour mill was already churning at this point and some World Cup organisers were very concerned about the development. According to the PWA, however, Rich Page is still in office.
However, the newly created positions do not affect the office of Nico Prien, who has been the honorary president of the PWA for around a year: "My job is to have a heli perspective on the issues, to categorise topics, summarise arguments and steer the discussions in a direction that moves us forward," he said in an interview in the spring. "As President, I am the ambassador for the World Tour, the face to the outside world, so to speak." The CEO and Event Manager, on the other hand, are responsible for the business behind the scenes.
The requirements for a CEO of the PWA
In the job advert for the CEO, the PWA writes: "This part-time position (20 hours/week) offers flexible working hours and the opportunity to lead global initiatives, build partnerships and develop new revenue streams." Areas of responsibility include:
- To promote windsurfing worldwide through events, targeted programmes and new initiatives and activities.
- Development of sources of income and sponsorship and support for event organisers in obtaining subsidies
- Development of a brand strategy for windsurfing events and activities
- Overseeing media, marketing and PR for effective global advertising
- Standardisation of sport classes and disciplines through the development of partnerships with windsurfing associations worldwide.
If you would like to apply for this position, you should fulfil the following requirements:
- Proven experience in leading strategic change and growth in the sports or leisure sector
- At least 10 years of experience in a management position with responsibility for financial management
- At least 5 years of experience in marketing, media and/or PR management
The PWA states that the part-time CEO's salary is €4,000 per month and the job is remote with "flexible working hours".
The PWA is also looking for an event manager
In addition to the main CEO, the drivers' association is also looking for an event manager. This position was previously also held by the outgoing Rich Page. "You will help manage major events in the wave, race and freestyle disciplines. You will also help promote the growth of new and existing events and be a key point of contact for riders and event organisers," reads the job advertisement. The Event Manager will report to the CEO and will have the following responsibilities:
- Management of major international windsurfing events
- Supporting the growth of new and existing events
- Building positive relationships with riders, interest groups, sponsors, organisers and other associations
- Development of an annual worldwide calendar of windsurfing events
- Development of best practices, contracts and processes to ensure the success of events
- Gather feedback from drivers, industry, crew and stakeholders to continuously improve event management
- Innovating and finding new ways to take windsurfing events to the next level
- Manage the rules and guidelines that apply to our events.
Applicants are expected to bring the following with them:
- At least five years of experience in the management of major events / international events with a proven track record
- Experience in the organisation of sporting events
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally
- Knowledge and/or experience in windsurfing
The PWA states that the event manager's salary is between 2,000 and 2,500 euros per month, plus 1,000 euros per five-star event attended. In addition to attending events, this job can also be done remotely.
You can apply for both positions via jobs@pwaworldtour.com apply!
Reactions from the windsurfing world
The at least unusual way of advertising the jobs on Instagram and Facebook has already provoked numerous reactions. While some windsurfers see a dream job, others doubt the part-time idea and criticise the salary.
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