Director, First Nations Academy & Projects

Sydney Swans Limited; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support including gym access

Perks and discounts via CorporatePart

Professional development support

Job summary

The Sydney Swans seek a dynamic Head of First Nations Academy & Projects to lead the ARA First Nations Academy, strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan. You will oversee culturally significant Club projects and shape high‑quality programs that create opportunities for young athletes while strengthening community connections.

Based at our Sydney headquarters with travel to program locations, you will partner across Football, Community, Operations, People, Commercial and Communications to deliver

Qualifications

• Experience leading First Nations, community, sport, talent pathways or youth development programs.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and contemporary contexts.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with Elders, families, communities and partner organisations.
• Strong program and project leadership: planning, budgeting, governance, risk and evaluation.
• Ability translate strategy into actionable plans with clear accountability and measurable outcomes.
• Leadership, facilitation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Sound judgement with confidential matters.
• Tertiary qualifications welcomed.
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ARA First Nations Academy, strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Shape safe, culturally strong programs creating opportunities for young athletes.
• Coordinate Academy hubs, camps, coaches and athlete pathways; guide projects like Maningrida and Marn Grook.
• Collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, players, families, staff and partners.
• Work with Football, Community, Operations, People, Commercial and Communications teams to turn commitments into measurable outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Budgeting

Governance & risk

Community engagement

Facilitation

Strategic planning

Cultural competence

Travel flexibility

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Job description

The Sydney Swans seek a dynamic Head of First Nations Academy & Projects to lead the ARA First Nations Academy, strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan. You will oversee culturally significant Club projects and shape high‑quality programs that create opportunities for young athletes while strengthening community connections.

Based at our Sydney headquarters with travel to program locations, you will partner across Football, Community, Operations, People, Commercial and Communications to deliver