Brain Health Initiative Project Manager

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia's game.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT OUR INITIATIVE

For the AFL, the safety and health of all our players is of paramount importance. The AFL has formulated a five-year Strategic Plan for Sport-Related Concussion in Australian Football , which outlines the AFL's evolving integrated framework for the prevention, management and research of concussion and repetitive head trauma.

One of the key priorities in the AFL Concussion Strategic Plan is the AFL Brain Health Initiative. Established in 2025, the AFL Brain Health Initiative is a prospective, longitudinal clinical research program, which provides the opportunity to monitor AFL and AFLW players' brain health from entry to elite football, across players' professional football careers, through to retirement, and beyond. The Initiative aims to examine athlete, injury and environmental factors associated with recovery from sport-related concussion, return to play, and long-term brain health and player wellbeing. The AFL has partnered with IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry.

ABOUT THE ROLE

A unique and exciting opportunity exists for an experienced clinical research Project Manager to undertake the coordination and operational oversight of the AFL Brain Health Initiative.

The Brain Health Initiative Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating stakeholder engagement and overall program implementation at the multi-site data collection hubs (AFL clubs, external research and commercial partners), and for management of relationships with our database and scientific services partner, IQVIA.

The role, based with the Football Operations Department, will provide an opportunity to work across dedicated AFL teams in concussion, healthcare, and mental health and wellbeing, who strive for innovation and prioritise research translation to influence policy, and build an evidence-base for the safe participation of players in professional and community sport.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• Within the program governance framework, coordinate research team, advisory, and steering committee meetings and preparation of reporting.

• Lead administrative and operational functions of the Brain Health Initiative

• Liaise with industry stakeholders (e.g. club personnel, players, AFLPA) and research partners

• Coordinate data management policies and protocols with IQVIA

• Develop standard operating procedures and associated training including risk and safety monitoring

• Manage ethics submissions

• Manage the research program budget reporting and financial management of the program

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements

• Uphold the integrity and ethical conduct of research in keeping with the AFL Research Governance Framework

• Prepare research progress reports to Brain Health Initiative Steering Committee & HREC

• Model and contribute to a culture of safety, transparency, teamwork, and collaboration

• Commitment to professional development learning and mentoring

• Opportunities exist for additional contribution to program workforce recruitment, training and credentialling.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• Extensive experience in clinical healthcare research, ideally within a neurological field

• Knowledge or expertise in the field of high-performance sport additionally recognised

• Demonstrated research coordination and project management experience across various stages of the research life cycle, including development, design, data collection, reporting and completion

• Demonstrated excellence in diverse stakeholder engagement and management

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

• Exceptional organisational and planning skills, with ability to work independently

• Willingness to travel interstate to AFL clubs

Desired:

• Post-graduate degree or equivalent in relevant medical, nursing or allied health field

• 5 years+ experience in management and coordination of large, multi-site research trials including longitudinal cohort studies, registries and/or clinical trials

• Completion of Good Clinical Practice training in the last 4 years

OUR CULTURE

THE PERKS

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life

• My Development – lean into the AFL's My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning

• Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace

• My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts

• AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends

Applications Close: 12 September 2025