Player Welfare Manager

**Introduction**:
The GIANTS are on an exciting journey both on and off the field. With teams in the AFL, the AFL Women’s League and Super Netball competitions, the GIANTS truly are a club like no other.

On field, the AFL team has quickly grown into one of the competition’s most exciting teams with several players becoming household names across the country. Likewise, the on-field achievements of our AFL Women’s and GIANTS Netball teams are seeing the club connect with more fans and followers than ever before.

Off field, the club’s exciting, innovative, and fresh brand is growing as it engages with members, fans, the community and key stakeholders across Western Sydney, Canberra and Nationally.

The GIANTS’ AFL and AFL Women’s teams are based at the club’s elite training and administration facility in Sydney Olympic Park, with GIANTS Netball based adjacent at Netball Central.

At the heart of our brand, there’s a GIANT in all of us, is the belief that everyone is a GIANT and by living our values and commitments we will deliver on our purpose - To create a club like no other that delivers the best family entertainment, wins premierships and enriches the lives of people in Western Sydney, Canberra and broader communities.

**Description**:
This role is a part time (0.6 FTE), reporting to the Head of Women’s Football. The role supports all player development and welfare requirements for our AFLW playing group.

Working directly with the AFLW Players to identify, manage and support player transition into an elite sporting environment. The Player Development Manager is a values lead and high performing individual driven to care, support and guide the playing group. The role will oversee the relocation of new players to Sydney and provide hands on support to ensure a seamless and integrated move to the GIANTS.

The Player Welfare Manager prioritises the welfare of the players and aims to be the most effective welfare program in the AFL.

Roles and Responsibilities

Player Engagement & Support Network

Provide assistance and where appropriate manage the relocation of new players to Sydney.
Manage players entry and exit into the program and develop and support the players ability to live independently in Sydney.
Identify players that may have increasing welfare or wellbeing needs, and assist in the implementation of strategies that minimise concerns.
Where appropriate engage and include partners, parents, families, friends of players and managers with the Club and Club culture.
Liaise closely with the Head of Women’s Football, AFLW Head Coach and AFLPA psychologists on wellbeing issues of any players.
Compliance with the Club, AFL and AFLPA requirements.
Support the Club as Child Safety Officer within the Women’s football program, in conjuction with the People and Culture department.
Provide assistance on match day which includes team management and assist Head of Women’s on game day and lead up.

Life Skill Development

Develop the life skills and coping skills required to transition in to an elite AFL landscape.
Identify and support the player’s development needs outside of football.
Identify, monitor and deliver appropriate programs, outsourcing if required, that support the holistic approach to player with wellbeing, health and performance.
Plan and implement the Player Development program which responds to needs and proactively develops core skills, attributes and addresses career development and educational needs.

Please note that this role does include attendance in the evening and weekends based on the football schedule.

**Skills and Experiences**:
Skills and Knowledge

Certificate IV in education, health science, behavioural, social science or psychology field or related discipline.
Completion of AFLPA Executive Certificate in Player Development (or a demonstration of commitment to complete).

A minimum 5 years experience in related field.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Comfortable to be a team player and work autonomously, going above and beyond to achieve the desired results.
Be a strategic thinker, using research and creativity in the development of the player development plan.
Professional, helpful, and efficient manner.
Understanding of AFL is ideal, but not essential.

GIANTS Commitments & Values

Engage
- We entertain in all that we do
- We enrich ourselves and others by being open and accessible
- We communicate and collaborate.

Grow
- We will build our club and our people
- We strive for greatness
- We celebrate our wins.

Challenge
- We hold ourselves and others accountable to the highest standards
- We will innovate, create and lead
- We are resilient.

Respect
- We celebrate our diversity and promote inclusion
- We own our story to enhance our legacy
- We are authentic and act with integrity in all we do.