Elite Player Development & Wellbeing Manager

St Kilda Football Club; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym access

Aquatics facilities

Free parking onsite

Membership discounts

New Balance discount

Linen House pricing

Discounted movie tickets

Job summary

St Kilda Football Club seeks a dedicated Player Development Manager to lead holistic development and wellbeing across AFL and VFL programs. You will oversee onboarding, welfare, education, career pathways, and partnerships, ensuring confidential, student-centred support for players through transitions and life after football.

You will collaborate with club staff, psychologists, AFLPA, and education providers to design practical learning and life-skill programs, while maintaining strong records

Qualifications

• Experience in player development, athlete welfare, wellbeing, education or a similar people-focused role.
• Experience in elite sport or organisations supporting young adults.
• Understanding of wellbeing, safeguarding, confidentiality, and referrals to specialists.
• Ability to design, coordinate and deliver education, personal development and wellbeing programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with players, families, staff and external partners.
• Empathy, emotional intelligence and sound judgement for sensitive conversations.
• Strong organisation and record-keeping abilities.
• Ability to motivate and engage players beyond football.

Responsibilities

• Lead player onboarding and integration for AFL players, including relocations and settling-in.
• Support player welfare and wellbeing with trusted relationships and confidential guidance.
• Design and coordinate personal development and education, reviewing Individual Development Plans.
• Strengthen engagement and culture with players, families and staff.
• Build career pathways with education, employment and volunteering opportunities.
• Lead partnerships with education providers, employers and AFL/AFLPA, maintaining records and compliance.

Skills

Player development

Athlete welfare

Wellbeing programs

Education design

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Collaboration

Education

Sports management degree

Psychology or counselling qualification

Education or social work degree

Job description

St Kilda Football Club seeks a dedicated Player Development Manager to lead holistic development and wellbeing across AFL and VFL programs. You will oversee onboarding, welfare, education, career pathways, and partnerships, ensuring confidential, student-centred support for players through transitions and life after football.

You will collaborate with club staff, psychologists, AFLPA, and education providers to design practical learning and life-skill programs, while maintaining strong records