The New Zealand Chess Federation (NZCF) is looking for a Director of Training. This is a new, dedicated contractor role that has been created to:

• develop a training strategy for NZCF and the ongoing development of chess and chess players of all levels in New Zealand (adults and juniors)
• coordinate the delivery of the training strategy
• update and maintain the NZCF badge system, tests and resources
• assist, develop and/or train clubs and trainers in using the NZCF badge system and delivering training in New Zealand
• oversee the training of players via the NZCF Online School
• coordinate the training programmes of our 2026 Olympiad squads, both Open & Women’s

This is a mix of project work for completion this year, and ongoing work. While there is some potential for hands-on training work e.g. ‘train the trainer’, the role is mostly envisaged as strategic work and coordinating resources and trainers to deliver the training strategy.

The Director of Training will also be tasked with investigating the various online training options and platforms that are being offered to NZCF by private providers and online chess academies and determine the most beneficial offers for New Zealand chess development. Some of these include the Kasparov Chess Federation, Chess Mood, ChessEvolve Academy, Chesslang and Crimson Global Academy as well as those that are offered by FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation.

The Director would oversee and coordinate setting up a training timetable for NZCF Online School courses and, later in 2025, the timetable for training of the 2026 Olympiad squads in consultation with the appointed FIDE trainers and squad members. Squads will be selected by NZCF Selectors. Places in NZCF Online School courses will be open by registering and paying relevant fees.

The Director would report back to the NZCF Council (management committee) at regular intervals with progress reports on the project work and training programmes in consultation with the trainers.

Curriculum content would be based on the training strategy and set in consultation with the NZCF Council, and appointed FIDE trainers for the various programmes.

This is a paid contractor role – the contractor will be responsible for their own taxes, ACC levies, Kiwisaver etc. Remuneration will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Being a registered FIDE trainer would be an advantage.

Queries should be directed to the NZCF President, Craig Hall (president@newzealandchess.co.nz), or Vice-President, Paul Spiller (PaulSSpiller@outlook.com). To apply, please email the NZCF President no later than 7 May 2025, and provide a summary of relevant qualifications, skills and experience.