Director, First Nations Academy & Community Projects

AFL; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Corporate partner discounts

Professional development

Club memberships

Job summary

The Sydney Swans are seeking a visionary Head of First Nations Academy & Projects to lead the ARA First Nations Academy, strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, while overseeing culturally significant Club initiatives. You will shape programs that create opportunity for young athletes, deepen community ties and drive lasting impact.

You will work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, players, families and staff, translating strategic goals into practical actions

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading First Nations, community, sport, talent pathway or youth development programs.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with Elders, families and partner organisations.
• Leadership with planning, budgeting, governance, risk and evaluation capabilities.
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Sydney Swans' ARA First Nations Academy, First Nations strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Oversee a portfolio of culturally significant Club projects and hubs.
• Shape safe, culturally strong programs that create opportunities for young athletes and strengthen community connection.
• Collaborate with Football, Community, Operations, People, Commercial and Communications teams to deliver measurable outcomes.
• Travel as required to program locations and engage with communities.

Skills

First Nations

Community programs

Youth development

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Governance

Budgeting

Risk management

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Tools

Project management

Job description

The Sydney Swans are seeking a visionary Head of First Nations Academy & Projects to lead the ARA First Nations Academy, strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, while overseeing culturally significant Club initiatives. You will shape programs that create opportunity for young athletes, deepen community ties and drive lasting impact.

You will work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, players, families and staff, translating strategic goals into practical actions