Summary and Background Information
GovHack is the largest open-data Hackathon in the Southern Hemisphere and run almost entirely by volunteers across Australia and New Zealand. It has been operating for ten years and brings together people from all walks of life, to deliver solutions to community issues by hacking, mashing and remodelling Government Open Data.
The Operations Lead is a key role responsible for organising and managing various facets of our annual operations. This role, has now been split into 3 distinct co-roles to tap into the most critical skills needed to lessen the load on any individual and to be able to seek individuals that have key skills to offer. These 3 individuals will work as a team to ensure the overall smooth operations of GovHack
The Competition Operations Lead is a key role responsible for organising and managing the core experience of GovHack, the competition itself. This includes the ensuring the technology and data are competition ready. The individual will preferably, but not necessarily, be well versed in GovHack and has had prior experience in the hackathon as a volunteer and/or participant.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
As the Competition Operations Lead you will be responsible for managing 3 small teams (approx. 2-4 people in each) to assist you in carrying out the following tasks:
- Competition readiness:
– Work with the competition team to ensure the hackerspace is configured for the new year, that previous years hackerspace instances are separated and publicly available, that there is continuous improvement for planned new features and fixes, that there is stability and capacity load management for the weekend.
– Ensure that the challenge, project, data, registration and judging back-end processes are setup and fully tested with any enhancements implemented within appropriate timelines - Technology readiness:
– Work with the technology team to ensure the architecture is secure, safe, compliant and remains open source. That there is continuous improvement for planned new features and fixes, that there is stability and capacity load management for the weekend. - Data readiness:
–Work with the data team to ensure the open data policies are clear and readily available for sponsors and participants alike.
– Work with tech and data teams to enable ready and protected access to hackerspace in line with privacy governance and GovHack reporting requirements - On-site Coordination:
– Oversee technology performance with the relevant teams during the hackathon, addressing any issues or challenges that may arise.
– Ensure a positive experience for participants, volunteers, and sponsors throughout the event. - Post Competition and Awards process:
– Assist the competition team to ensure data mentors, judges, scoring and vetting, prize allocations etc has a clear documented process
– Tally and manage competition results
– Assist with the Region Awards and International Red Carpet Awards prize allocation process. - Volunteer Management:
– Assist with recruitment, training, and management of volunteers to support various aspects of the competition and technology architecture
– Work with and support the other Co-Operations Leads to ensure overall smooth operations for GovHack.
Requirements
- You MAY have been involved in GovHack or have past GovHack experience as either volunteer, participant or sponsor.
- Leadership / management skills as this is a senior position
- Proven experience in event planning and coordination, preferably for technology-related or non profit events.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- You will be required to attend our weekly video conferences (Thursday 5.30PM AEST).
- Minimum 5 hrs per week. Will increase during the competition and awards periods.
Volunteer Benefits
- Opportunity to network and collaborate with motivated and inspiring people
- Develop and strengthen your strategic and leadership capabilities
- Pick up new tech skills
- Broaden your knowledge of how Government departments operate
- Deepen your connection with the innovation and Hackathon community in Australia
- Acknowledgement that you helped deliver the largest hackathon in the Southern Hemisphere
- Opportunity to gain a reference from skilled professionals in your field