Football Development Lead - West Arnhem

Australian Football League; Maningrida; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in Maningrida is looking for a Football Development Lead to oversee AFL programs for various competitions across West Arnhem Land. This role focuses on increasing AFL participation among Indigenous women and youth while promoting community health and social cohesion. Strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders are essential. The position offers a flexible working environment with various benefits in a community-driven context.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing programs

On-the-job training and mentoring

Access to discounts from AFL partners

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage AFLNT fleet vehicles.
• Ability to work weekends and travel to remote communities.

Responsibilities

• Design, deliver and report on targeted AFL activities.
• Support delivery of football carnivals and competitions.
• Facilitate AFL Coach and Umpire accreditation courses.
• Keep up-to-date reporting of AFL participation outcomes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work autonomously

Experience working with communities

Cultural competency

Communication skills

Volunteer coordination

Time management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Level 2 AFL Coaching Accreditation

Valid driver’s licence

NT Working with Children’s Check (Ochre Card)

Bronze Medallion or First Aid Certificate

Job description

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game.

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, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children / Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE

AFLNT is seeking an energetic and values driven individual to facilitate and oversee AFL programs, senior men, women and youth competitions across West Arnhem Land. All programs are designed to promote positive health, wellbeing, and social cohesion throughout Indigenous communities.

The Football Development Lead will focus on increasing AFL participation for Indigenous women and girls, facilitating engaging and meaningful activities for youth, and supporting the local football carnivals and competitions. The role is responsible for planning and delivering targeted activities aligned to these focus areas through school and community-based AFL programs.

This role is based in Maningrida and delivers services to communities throughout West Arnhem Land. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to harnessing strong working relationships with Traditional Owners, schools and service providers, Government agencies, and partner organisations.

Please note that this is a 12-month maximum contract role until approximately 31 January 2027. While this role is based in Maningrida, Northern Territory, we encourage applications from interstate candidates willing to relocate.

We will be closed for our annual closure period from December 22 2025, returning January 12 2026. Over this closure period, applications will not be responded to during this time.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities

• Design, deliver and report on targeted AFL activities throughout Indigenous communities.
• Embed consistent and engaging junior AFL programs for youth, including Auskick and Superkick programs and AFL competitions for males and females.
• Support the delivery of football carnivals and competitions for senior men, women, and youth.
• Deliver targeted in-school programs to support school attendance.
• Host meaningful school holiday programs and targeted health promotions.
• Facilitate AFL Coach and Umpire accreditation courses throughout communities.
• Work closely with partner organisations to maximise participant engagement and achieve the greatest social impact through AFL activities.
• Facilitate the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre (MLLLC) programs and residential camps.
• Lead a small team of employees, including scheduling, budget management, staff development, and reporting.
• Provide support to the broader AFLNT team throughout the region, including events, competitions, and program support.
• Provide guidance and community connections with the local senior men’s and women’s community competitions.
• Keep up-to-date reporting and participation statistics on AFL participation outcomes.
• Manage AFL assets appropriately and regularly.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies

• Ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, meet deadlines and utilise on-ground support to achieve key outcomes.
• Ability to work to achieve key program outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills, and experience building rapport with a diverse range of people.
• Able to work weekends and after hours, and ability to travel to remote communities (including driving un-sealed roads, travelling by ferry and by light aircraft).
• Ability to coordinate, train and recognise volunteers in the football environment.
• Experience in maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders and working with and proactively influencing people.
• Ability to manage AFLNT fleet vehicles, including regular servicing and condition reports.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience in communities.
• Strong self-awareness and ability to seek appropriate support when required during difficult times.
• Able to work within the structures and policies of the AFL, AFLNT and AFLNT Indigenous Programs team.
• Valid driver’s licence
• NT Working with Children’s Check (Ochre Card)
• Valid, or ability to acquire, Bronze Medallion, First Aid Certificate.
• Level 2 AFL Coaching Accreditation

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au / careers / our-organisation

THE PERKS

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
• My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
• Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
• My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts

Applications Close

12 January 2026