Corporate Affairs 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 The Role
The Corporate Affairs Manager – AFL Victoria is a communications role based in Melbourne, charged with leading the communications function and promotion of Australian Rules Football participation programs at a community level across Victoria.

As a member of the national Corporate Affairs team, the Corporate Affairs Manager – AFL Victoria is responsible for leading the media engagement, public relations, communications, content, issues management and corporate affairs strategy for community football in Victoria.

The role will focus on supporting the national Corporate Affairs team, Game Development, Talent Pathways and local football, to protect and enhance the brand of the game in Victoria.

There is an important reputation and stakeholder engagement component to the role with the Corporate Affairs Manager – AFL Victoria responsible for building and managing key relationships across the AFL national business and with external stakeholders in Victoria including media, government, partners and community football leaders.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
Key Accountabilities

• Develop strong relationships with all key media including regional, metropolitan and multicultural media to maximise coverage and awareness of community football in Victoria, its programs and competitions.
• Build strong working relationships and play a leadership role to enhance the reputation of the AFL with key external stakeholder groups, including:
• Local football community clubs and leagues
• Government partners at federal, state and local council level
• Peak bodies and commercial partners
• Facility stakeholder groups – playing a key role in how communications and stakeholder engagement positively influences facility development processes
• Lead and drive the relationships with key media outlets and journalists
• Play a key proactive leadership role in the AFL VIC business, including developing a communications strategy, providing strategic advice and coordinating resources from across the football network as required
• Oversee all internal and external PR channels for AFL VIC and identify opportunities to proactively promote the code at community level, working collaboratively with the AFL national PR team
• Identify and execute opportunities for the Head of AFL VIC, AFL CEO and other senior AFL representatives to be in market at a community football level, eg. speaking events, roundtable discussions, conferences, panels etc.
• Work closely with VIC-based AFL clubs to leverage the elite game to promote grassroots/community football and develop mutually beneficial outcomes for the clubs and AFL VIC
• Issues Management – provide crisis and issues support at a community football level; develop strategy, be a member of the issues management team and provide advice on managing all communication regarding each issue with media, stakeholders and staff;
• Proactive communications – research, write and distribute media releases and targeted pitches in line with key business objectives for AFL VIC and the calendar of programs across the state. Target all areas of the media including general news, government, education and sport;
• Lead a content staff member to execute digital media content across AFL VIC platforms to a high level and build AFL VIC's social and owned media footprint
• Oversee the AFL VIC social media strategy and website network
• Support Head of AFL VIC, AFL VIC leaders and national Game Development leaders with any key internal and external communications, including briefing notes and speech writing
• Work closely with national Corporate Affairs and Game Development teams on effectively delivering national priorities and initiatives at a local level in Victoria

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER
Core Competencies

• Broad range of skillsets to be able to build AFL VIC's profile, presence and relevance in the market independently
• Sound knowledge and experience of news and editorial management as well as understanding of the content requirements for news media, social media and online engagement strategies
• Proven experience influencing senior leaders and stakeholders
• Experience leading crisis and issues management
• Leadership experience - working with leadership team to progress key issues and priorities
• Ability to manage, maintain and develop partnerships with multiple key stakeholders
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans
• Knowledge of the AFL or sporting industry particularly at a community level

OUR CULTURE
Please visit

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: 5 December 2025