National Next Generation Academy 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 purpose of this role is to manage and govern the Next Generation Academy (NGA) program nationally for the AFL. This role will work extensively with AFL Club NGA programs to ensure consistency and quality assurance across all offerings and will ultimately be accountable for increasing the number of Indigenous and Multicultural AFL and AFLW players on Club lists.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead and govern the Next Generation Academy (NGA) male and female programs across 15 clubs (10 VIC, 2 WA, 2 SA, 1 NSW), ensuring consistent delivery, compliance, and alignment with national talent pathway objectives.
• Act as the lead and primary point of contact for Club NGAs, providing guidance, conducting regular visits to Clubs, overseeing program implementation, and ensuring adherence to minimum standards and development requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with clubs, state leagues, and national stakeholders to support Indigenous and Multicultural player development, transition, and retention.
• Coordinate with the State and Territory Game Development teams NGA ID and program timing and lead the connection and communication with AFL clubs
• Lead proactive stakeholder management and engagement with senior leaders across AFL Clubs, building strong, trusted relationships to influence outcomes and drive alignment, even when communicating challenging or sensitive decisions.
• Take full ownership of end-to-end decision making within the program, ensuring clear, consistent communication, accountability, and follow-through with key stakeholders to achieve agreed objectives and maintain confidence in the AFL's strategic direction
• Lead and manage the NGA Committee, including monthly meeting coordination, documentation, communication, and liaison between the committee and Club Academy Managers.
• Receive Club nomination for concessions and govern application eligibility and criteria 
• Oversee NGA funding processes - review club reports and applications and make recommendations on allocations and concession eligibility as well as reviewing club applications for discretionary funding.
• Develop and maintain systems to capture data, store information, and monitor club performance and compliance.
• Lead the planning and delivery of NGA events and initiatives, including the Victorian NGA Carnival, and support integration with national and state talent programs.
• Represent, promote and advocate for the NGA program across the industry, presenting updates, insights, and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the broader diversity talent team and contribute to cross-functional talent projects
• Collaborate with talent pathway stakeholders to highlight Indigenous and Multicultural player transition opportunities.
• Drive safeguarding children and young people standards within youth sport programs
• Work closely with AFLNT regarding remote players and compliance of their respective Club NGA

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with, engage, lead and positively influence a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior leaders at AFL Clubs.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound, informed decisions, influence outcomes, and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge of the workings of the AFL Clubs, NGA programs and the national network of talent pathway activity (including key people who manage these programs).
• Exposure and experience to AFL Club environments, elite high-performance environments and to state-based football programs (highly regarded).
• Knowledge and recent experience leading football or large community-based sporting or other sporting programs, with a focus on enhancing the outcomes of multicultural & Indigenous young people.
• High level of cultural competence – lived experience of Indigenous and multicultural cultures/communities and ability to create inclusive and culturally safe team environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and communication skills with understanding of data management systems (including PlayHQ) and confident in using IT tools to support reporting and program delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in cost centre and budget management and financial acumen
• Planning and organisation – ability to work across a number of different tasks and with different people.
• Strong existing relationships and connections with relevant community groups, Indigenous and multicultural stakeholders and networks.
• Ability to engage young people from Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds and build trust and rapport.
• Capability to think and work strategically and programmatically
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and athlete wellbeing.  

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: 18 November 2025