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 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
Participation Leads are responsible for leading, planning and executing key programs through a team of regional based Participation Coordinators and casuals. The role will be required to lead a team to meet KPIs and achieve participation outcomes, while managing the day-to-day operations of booking, rostering and training casual staff.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
* Responsible for ensuring KPIs are met in the region around Auskick, Schools, Superkick, NINES and community football.
* Lead the Auskick mapping project and ensure all staff delivered Auskick centres are booked and delivered based on the needs of the region.
* Ensure programs are being aligned and delivered on behalf of a community clubs to support new team and grades across existing competitions.
* Lead the categorisation of schools to ensure programming is being delivered based on the needs of the school and the point schooling journey.
* Develop relationships and a strong understanding of School Football pathways and develop plans to increase participation in these competitions.
* Responsible for deploying staff, full time and causal, for all booked School and Community programs in their regions.
* Lead training for Participation Coordinators to deliver key programs, Auskick, schools, Superkick and NINES
* Lead the roll out and implementation of the CRM system and Deputy.
* Lead ongoing training and education for Participation Coordinators to deliver quality AFL Programs
* Lead the prioritisation of schools through the CRM platform to ensure all School KPIs are met.
* Support the team and lead as a subject matter expert on program area.
* 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 experience in leadership and management of teams, including motivating, developing and influencing.
* High level strategic and critical thinking, and planning ability
* Targeted experience in leading and implementing change
* Lead effective negotiation and mediation to resolve conflicts and balance competing interests
* Understand cost / benefit analysis concept for the rationalisation of programs and know how to develop targets and budgets
* Demonstrated the ability to hit targets and reach high level results
* Highly developed verbal and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills
* Capability to establish and prioritise tasks to achieve objectives
* Exceptional interpersonal and people skills
* Strong administration skills, including experience with Microsoft software
* Knowledge of AFL Victoria development programs and their impact on the sports industry
* Ability to identify opportunities to develop and sustain productive relationships with stakeholders
Mandatory
* 3 - 5 years experience in a similar role or field
* Experience in bring together to coordinate a diverse range of thinking and ideas
* Demonstrated personal initiative and drive
* Experience working with volunteers
* A current Victorian drivers licence
Desirable
* Degree in related field, (e.g. Sports Management or Business), or equivalent experience
* Knowledge of AFL Victoria development programs and their impact on the sports industry
* Understanding of the unique challenges of participation and barriers to participation
OUR CULTURE
Please visit
Applications Close:
6 March 2026
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