Coaching Development

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 THE ROLE

The Coaching Education and Development Lead – South will lead the development and implementation of the coaching strategy that will provide and deliver contemporary education programs and initiatives for coaches and coach developers across the Metro South (Brisbane South, Gold Coast and Northern Rivers), Capricornia, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns & Cape York regions.

The role will support the roll-out of the broader national coaching strategy which incorporates an innovative blended learning approach through online learning, face to face workshops, and support for coaches within their coaching context. The aim is to engage coaches through a variety of new and existing networks and digital platforms, thus enhancing coaching excellence at all levels of the game.

The Coaching Education and Development Lead will work alongside the AFL Coaching Team to develop online and face to face workshop content to build the capacity of the broader community coaching workforce.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• Manage the implementation and coordination of the coach AFL Elevate (Level 2) and Advanced (Level 3) Coach Accreditation program across the allocated regions.
• Development and implementation of a state-wide coaching strategy in consultation with the Club Development & Experience Manager.
• Manage the appeals and intermediary process for breaches of the AFL Coaching Code of Conduct within Queensland, in accordance with the National Coaching Accreditation Policy.
• Provide leadership and direction through the development of innovative coaching education and development frameworks, and establishment of policy and processes supporting the new national coaching strategy.
• Lead the development, training and direction of coach developers who will support coaches 'on-the-ground,' in their coaching context.
• Develop, implement, and review a regional plan for coaching development and support in consultation with the Club Development & Experience Manager and Regional Leads.
• Promote the use of the Coach AFL Platform to support the engagement of coaches across the State.
• Identify and prioritise new coaching development opportunities supporting women & girls (i.e. Coach Your Way), indigenous, multicultural and all abilities programs.
• Manage relevant areas of the AFL Queensland coaching budget.
• Support the AFL Coaching Team with the development of new customised content.
• Support the nomination process for the various coaches awards as part of the AFL Queensland Community and National Awards.
• Support the AFL Coaching Team on projects as required.
• Contribute to key projects within and outside of core role.
• Support and contribute to the success of the broader team.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking experience and capability.
• Proven capacity to successfully deliver contemporary coaching pedagogy.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated organisational management capabilities.
• Experience in the planning and delivery of training and education programs.
• Highly developed IT skills.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Demonstrated capacity for innovative and creative thinking.
• Demonstrated financial acumen.

Mandatory

• Tertiary qualification in teaching and education or equivalent experience.
• Extensive and recent hands-on coaching and coach development experience.
• Significant experience in the development of coaching pedagogy.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and provide performance feedback to coaches.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement and review development programs.
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication and relationship skills.
• An understanding of Queensland community football structure and environment.

Desirable

• Experience in professional or community sport management and/or governance.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience with overseeing a budget and event planning.
• Experience in the utilisation of digital media for learning and development.

OUR CULTURE

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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: 7 November 2025