About The Business
The Essendon Football Club - "The Bombers" - is a professional sporting organisation in the Australian Football League, home to several teams, including AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and Wheelchair Football programs. At Essendon, unity binds us. We firmly believe that our strength comes from standing together as One Club, embracing our rich diversity and uniting around a shared purpose. Our passion fuels every kick, every play, and every decision. The essence of the Essendon legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Australian sporting calendar, highlighted by major events such as ANZAC Day and Dreamtime clashes, underscoring our commemoration and connection to national identity. We strive to be better every day, pushing boundaries and relentlessly pursuing excellence while maintaining respect for our teammates, opponents and community.
About The Role
As Head of Events you will oversee the planning and management of all aspects of the Club's Events Program, including match day and major events, while providing leadership, coaching and development to the Events team. This is a 12-month parental leave cover. You will be responsible for the overarching strategic direction of the Events team and ensuring it aligns with the broader Commercial Operations strategic direction, including financial performance (budget) metrics. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of a police check and holding a current Working with Children Check.
* Develop and manage the Club's annual events calendar, including event concepts, formats and delivery of each event
* End‐to‐end planning and execution of all Club events, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and a culture of continuous improvement
* Manage venue sourcing and bookings, including the operation of the Essendon Conference Centre (internal and external bookings, catering, AV, room setup and pack down)
* Coordinate all event logistics including guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, dietary requirements, seating plans, run sheets and production schedules
* Liaise with and manage external suppliers and talent (venues, performers, speakers, MCs, AV, caterers, designers and printers) to ensure high‐quality delivery
* Oversee AV production, stage management, bump‐in and bump‐out, and on‐site issue resolution
* Develop and manage event budgets, including forecasting, invoicing, reconciliation and post‐event financial reporting
* Lead, mentor and manage the Events Coordinator, as well as event staff and volunteers
* Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and lead cross‐departmental working groups to deliver events for multiple areas of the Club
* Partner with the Commercial team to ensure sponsorship deliverables are planned, executed and met
* Manage event communications and content, including CRM invitations, briefing materials, social media coordination and photo/video briefs
* Conduct risk assessments and lead pre‐ and post‐event briefings and reviews, incorporating feedback into post‐event reporting and future improvements
* Deliver exceptional customer and stakeholder experience in line with Club standards and timelines
About Your Experience
* Proven experience working in an Events based role, including in a management capacity
* Experience coordinating large outdoor events or festivals
* Budget management with experience in delivering events in line with budget expectations
* People management
* Ability to plan and execute multiple events concurrently
* Highly developed presentation and interpersonal skills
* Strong commercial acumen with an ability to identify and execute commercialisation strategies
* Excellent time management skills
* Effective leadership and delegation skills
* Innovation and creativity with a proven track record of collaborating with multiple stakeholders
* Ability to negotiate with venues and outside contractors to meet event objectives
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
The Perks
* Flexible working hours outside the usual 9‐to‐5 schedule
* Additional annual leave earned by taking Leave during Footy Department mini breaks or at the discretion of the CEO
* Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers of a biological or adopted child
* Access to the Wellbeing Partner – Converge, supporting a healthy mind, body and workplace
* On‐site gym access
* Continuous professional development through the Essendon Leadership Academy
* Discretionary flexi home & away memberships giving access to Home & Away games at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, plus free onsite parking at The Hangar, and other partner benefits and discounts
At the Essendon Football Club, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.
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