Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game.
This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions. Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.
The opportunity
The Growth & Engagement Lead – NT plays a critical role in strengthening community football by growing, engaging and retaining the umpiring workforce across the Northern Territory. Based in Darwin and working closely with the Umpiring Lead and national stakeholders, this role focuses on building sustainable pipelines, positive environments and strong connections that keep umpires in the game.
Success in this role means increased umpire participation, stronger engagement and retention, and inclusive pathways that support community football across the NT.
This is a full-time permanent opportunity.
What You’ll Own
You will lead initiatives that grow umpire participation and strengthen engagement across community football in the Northern Territory. Your work will directly support the sustainability and diversity of the game.
You’ll Add Value Through
* Delivering national umpiring strategies that support the recruitment, engagement, development and transition of community umpires and umpire coaches
* Planning, coordinating and delivering NT-based initiatives to attract and retain umpires and umpire coaches
* Driving brand awareness, reputation management and social engagement to support umpire growth
* Building positive umpiring environments by supporting and upskilling umpire coaches
* Collaborating with national and state stakeholders to share best practice and align approaches
* Driving diversity in community umpiring, including supporting actions within the Women and Girls Action Plan
* Contributing to the success of the broader umpiring and community football teams
* Supporting content development and curriculum aligned to national umpire accreditation frameworks
What You’ll Bring
* Demonstrated capability in driving change and delivering engagement or growth initiatives
* Strong relationship‑building skills across diverse internal and external stakeholders
* Understanding of recruitment, retention and engagement principles
* Confidence presenting to a range of audiences and stakeholder groups
* Experience planning and delivering projects or programs end‑to‑end
* Ability to work autonomously while contributing to shared team outcomes
* Flexibility to work outside standard business hours when required
* Experience in Australian Rules Football is desirable but not essential
* Capability in social media, content creation or digital engagement is well regarded
Why you’ll love being on our team
At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters. This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.
What You Can Look Forward To
* Play The Day Your Way, our flexible approach to working life, built to support you on game day and every day
* My Development, with coaching, mentoring, on-the-job learning and formal development to help you keep building your game
* Play Well, our health and wellbeing programme designed to support a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy workplace
* My Benefits, giving you access to a range of partner offers and discounts through our AFL Corporate Partners
* AFL Silver Memberships for permanent team members, so you can enjoy the action at Marvel Stadium and the MCG with family and friends
* 6 months paid primary parental leave with no qualification period for permanent team members
Everyone has a place here
Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same. We are committed to building an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
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, including ensuring the successful candidate holds a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
Ready to play your part?
Applications close
31 May 2026