Football Development Lead

Company description:

The AFL is Australia's premier sporting organisation supporting two constantly evolving national competitions, AFL and AFLW. Our purpose is to progress the game, so everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

We have a strong workforce presence in most States and Territories of Australia including Northern Territory, QLD, NSW / ACT, Victoria and Tasmania.

As the AFL/ AFLW competitions continue to grow and evolve at both the elite and community levels, we are focused on ensuring we attract and retain great people in both permanent and casual roles at all levels and within all areas of our industry.

Importantly, we aim to reflect the communities where our game is played by recruiting locally where possible to strengthen our connection to the 'grassroots' of our game. We are also fortunate to have hundreds of passionate volunteers within our industry, offering their time and expertise to help grow our game.

The AFL's purchase of Marvel Stadium in Docklands, Melbourne, further diversifies our workforce with more than 1000 casual employees to make every moment matter for our fans and customers.

Job description:

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 so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

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 - This role is Max term until approx May 2026

AFLNT is seeking an energetic and values driven individual to develop and embed strong local junior, youth and women's AFL competitions and programs accessible to the local Tiwi Islands communities and provide operational support to the Tiwi Bombers Football Club (TBFC), who participate in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL).

Focus areas for this role includes providing engaging and meaningful activities for youth and young adults in their home communities to support enhanced player development outcomes, whilst developing the Tiwi Islands football eco-system, including coaches, umpires, volunteers. This role works closely with the Tiwi Bombers Football Club to support the weekly operational and logistics requirements of competing in the NTFL.

This role is based in Wurrumiyanga, with service delivery to communities throughout the Tiwi Islands, and works alongside the Regional Development Lead - Tiwi Islands. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to harnessing strong working relationships with Traditional Owners, school and service providers, Government agencies and partner organisations.

Due to the remote location, this role offers additional benefits and support including a remote living support package.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

• Establish and execute a calendar of junior and youth focused AFL competitions, carnivals, programs, and talent opportunities.
• Develop school-based AFL programs, competitions, and leadership programs to support school attendance and positive student behaviour.
• Support the development of female football competitions on the Tiwi Islands.
• Develop local high performance player academy and support male and female footballers to engage in Northern Territory state academy pathway programs.
• Support the Tiwi Islands Football League through the development of coaches, umpires, and volunteers, with a focus on good governance and sustainability.
• Develop strong connections and relationships with key regional stakeholders to help execute an effective overall club operations model
• Foster a strong relationship and connection between TBFC and Tiwi Islands Football League (TIFL) board to ensure there is strong alignment between the two organisations.
• Create and implement a pre-season and in-seasonal travel and transport plan and seasonal accommodation plan for the TBFC's men's and women's football programs.
• Develop and execute TBFC's home game operational plan, including roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, facility management, NTFL rules and regulations and other fundamental event management practices.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

• Willingness to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes, along with the confidence and capability to present to a diverse range of audiences.
• Ability to create efficient processes and systems and to build strong operational models to execute complex plans.
• Understanding of AFL competition rules and regulations
• Coordinate, train and recognise volunteers in the football environment
• Work autonomously, manage time effectively, meet deadlines and utilise on-ground support to achieve key outcomes
• Manage AFLNT fleet vehicles, including regular servicing and condition reports
• Work within the structures and policies of the AFL, AFLNT and AFLNT Indigenous Programs team

Mandatory

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills, and experience building rapport with a diverse range of people
• Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal business hours, and travel to remote Indigenous communities (including driving un-sealed roads, travelling by ferry and by light aircraft)
• Valid driver's licence and NT Working with Children's Check (Ochre Card)

Desirable

• Demonstrated cross-cultural awareness and experience and understanding of remote Indigenous communities.
• Level 2 (Silver) AFL Coaching Accreditation

OUR CULTURE

Please visit

Applications Close: 3 June 2025

We offer:

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