Head of First Nations Academy & 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

• A club with a proud history, strong momentum and a commitment to meaningful First Nations engagement.
• Work that matters: lead pathways and projects that support young people, communities and the future of our game.
• A high-performance culture with clear standards, genuine collaboration and impact.
• Flexible, inclusive ways of working and professional development tailored to your goals.
• Based at our state-of-the-art Sydney headquarters, with travel to program locations.

Born from hard work, grit and a relentless drive to win, the Sydney Swans have 151 years behind us, and we are building what comes next. Guided by Respect, Courage and Curiosity, we share the journey, support one another and keep finding the extra 1%.

We are committed to a supportive and inclusive workplace where people feel connected to our Club and to each other.

THE PERKS

• Wellbeing support to keep you at your best – including gym access
• Perks and discounts via our Corporate Partners
• Professional development support tailored to your goals
• Club memberships to share match days with friends and family

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Head of First Nations Academy & Projects will lead the Sydney Swans’ ARA First Nations Academy, First Nations strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, while overseeing a portfolio of culturally significant Club projects.

You will shape safe, culturally strong and high-quality programs that create opportunity for young athletes, strengthen community connection and deliver lasting impact. From coordinating Academy hubs, camps, coaches and athlete pathways to guiding projects such as Maningrida, Marn Grook and past-player engagement, this is a broad leadership role combining strategy, relationships and hands‑on delivery.

Working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, players, families, staff, past players and external partners, you will provide cultural and program leadership across the Club. You will collaborate closely with Football, Community, Operations, People, Commercial and Communications teams to turn commitments into measurable outcomes.

WHAT WE’R LOOKING FOR

• Demonstrated experience leading First Nations, community, sport, talent pathway or youth development programs.
• A strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contemporary community contexts.
• Proven ability to build trusted, respectful relationships with Elders, families, communities and partner organisations.
• Strong program and project leadership skills, including planning, budgeting, governance, risk and evaluation.
• Experience turning strategy into clear actions, accountabilities and measurable outcomes.
• Confident leadership, facilitation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Sound judgement and discretion when working with culturally sensitive or confidential matters.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications will be highly regarded.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Due to the nature of the role, flexibility is required for travel, extended hours and occasional weekend work. The successful candidate must hold, or be able to obtain, a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

The Sydney Swans are an equal opportunity employer and child‑safe organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia.