Football Victoria (FV ) is the governing body for football in Victoria.
We are recognised as the organisation responsible for the administration, promotion and delivery of football and futsal (indoor football) in the state by both the State and Federal Governments, as well as Football Australia (FA).
Our funding derives from membership and club affiliation fees, government grants and corporate sponsorship.
Through the national body's affiliation with FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations), we look after everything football in Victoria including:
* Semi-professional ranks;
* Amateurs;
* Youth;
* Referees;
* Coaches;
* Officials;
* Volunteers.
FV are committed to providing a quality service to the broad community with integrity and professional excellence. Through open communications and a dedication to equal opportunity, our vision is to be the most outstanding sporting body in Australia, leading to success in the world game.
FV are a not-for-profit sporting organisation run by a Board of Directors. We reinvest any money generated by the game in a financially prudent manner, prioritising in providing more coaching, education, facilities, support and participation opportunities to the community and our partners back to where it is needed most.
We currently employ over 80 staff to deliver on the FV Strategic Plan (“Our Football”) and administration of weekly football matches, producing annual football fixtures and appropriate rules of competition. Referees are also appointed to these matches to facilitate a safer and more enjoyable participation experience.
We also deliver education programs and resources to talented players, coaches, referees, and club volunteers while promoting the game through various channels, keeping our members informed regularly through a dedicated communications program.
OUR VALUES
RESPECT (Valuing all), INTEGRITY (Doing the right thing), LEADERSHIP (Inspiring vision of the future), INCLUSIVITY (Together we are stronger), UNITY (United for the good of the world game)
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION
The primary purpose of the Government Relations Coordinator is to support relationships with all levels of government, by helping to align football’s priorities with public policy objectives, and secure strategic investment that grows the game as per FV’s strategic direction and objectives.
This role ensures that FV drives system-level change through advocacy, evidence-based planning, and partnership development to deliver better facilities, programs, and outcomes for all participants across Victoria - particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 State Election.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* In consultation with the Head of Government Relations & Strategy, devise, research, prepare and draft high-quality proposals, submissions, and reports that advance the interests of Football Victoria within government.
* Map and maintain database of key local, state, and federal government stakeholders across Victoria (including notes on all relevant meetings and engagement) to provide advice and information on a broad range of relevant government and public policy issues.
* Provide administrative support for the maintenance of relationships with government political/departmental staff, including all Ministers, Members and advisors.
* Preparation of briefs/political profiles ahead of meetings/events for internal/external use.
* Coordinate regular touchpoints with LGAs, MPs, SRV, etc. to ensure football priorities are understood, supported, and resourced through relevant funding opportunities.
* When required, be able to socialise ideas with key stakeholders while maintaining discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.
* Assist in the delivery of the FV Level the Playing Field State Election Campaign.
* Maintenance of facility audits and state-wide facility reporting database.
* Creation of participation reports, composition of letters of support, and facility advocacy documents.
* Identify gaps in facility provision and prioritise projects using evidence (Eg. audits, participation data, population projections).
* Identify where football infrastructure needs are reflected in Council sport strategies, planning frameworks, and election commitments.
* Identify funding opportunities and assist in preparation of grant applications.
* Support local council budget submissions for planning or project works, attend budget submission hearings, etc.
* Creation and maintenance of club support request mechanism for government relations support, facility development planning and advocacy.
* Support clubs to navigate facility development/council processes and funding applications.
* Assist with any other tasks as directed by the Head of Government Relations & Strategy and/or Executive Manager - Equity, Growth & Inclusion.
SELECTION CRITERIA
* Valid Working with Children Check & Driver’s Licence.
* Tertiary qualification in Sports Administration, Political Science, Community Development, Urban Planning, or relevant discipline is desirable.
* Previous experience in government, strategy, or policy development is desirable.
* Demonstrable passion for FV’s vision, mission, and core values.
* Ability to think strategically and translate FV’s state-wide objectives into effective actions and advocacy practices.
* Demonstrated experience to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects with good governance and business planning.
* Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and a demonstrated ability to self-manage and work independently within time constraints.
* Proven research capability and ability to analyse participation data and trends, provision ratios, and population projections.
* Proven ability to work effectively with and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
* A deep passion for growing equitable participation of football.
* Knowledge of sporting club structures/culture, and the issues facing community sport.
* A thorough understanding and ability/desire to develop the game of Football across Victoria.
FV is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island people, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you require support or advice with your application, we encourage you to contact us.
It is acknowledged that all Football Victoria employees demonstrate a flexible approach and that from time to time during peak periods will assist across departments to achieve the overall strategic objectives of the organisation.
Job ad will close by Monday 16 February or earlier. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.