National Indigenous Participation Specialist

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.

PURPOSE - why this role is important

The National Indigenous Participation and Engagement Specialist will play an integral role in ensuring that our Aussie Rules community football participation programs are inclusive, accessible and delivered within culturally safe environments.

Sitting within the Game Development team and reporting to the National Participation Growth Manager - Indigenous and Inclusion, this is a key position that provides leadership of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan along with strategic direction and support to the broader national participation workforce, ensuring that future footy participation opportunities are more inclusive and accessible (community, Auskick, Superkick, Nines and Schools).

Our vision at the AFL is for everyone to love and connect with Australia's game and this role truly contributes to this. 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.

The AFL considers that identifying as an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

DAY IN THE LIFE - what you will be responsible for

• Provide leadership and support to states and territories on delivery and evaluation of the AFL's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan. This will include strategic advice on program design along with gathering and promoting program success stories.
• Supporting monitoring and evaluation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan, along with the Cultural Diversity Action Plan.
• Support with implementation and evaluation of education, training and development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan and Cultural Diversity Action Plan workforce.
• Support implementation of the Community Ambassador program.
• Provide leadership for Game Development within Sir Douglas Nicolls Round and AFLW Indigenous Round working groups.
• Support broader participation and program team with continual improvement of Auskick, Superkick, AFL Nines, School programs and Community Football.
• Build relationships and partnerships with relevant external partners and communities.
• Collaborate and work with AFL Departments and industry stakeholders to support industry programs and events.
• Contribute to key projects and policies within and outside of core role.
• Support and contribute to the success of the broader team.

MUST HAVE'S - what's needed to help you be successful

• Strong knowledge, experience and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and cultures (5+ years)
• An ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated experience in partnering with and influencing a diverse range of community stakeholders (5+ years)
• Strong leadership and relationship management across a geographically diverse team, including ability to work autonomously when required and also as part of a high-performing, agile team.
• Able to innovate, challenge convention and support teams to move through change.

Applications Close: 10 September 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
• 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