Match Manager - Darwin

Australian Football League (AFL); Darwin; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible game-day work

Development and coaching opportunities

Health and wellbeing program

Job summary

Australian Football League in Darwin is seeking a Match Manager to deliver safe, well‑run match day experiences across AFLNT venues. You’ll coordinate game day logistics, work with clubs, officials, security and venue staff, and ensure operations meet AFLNT and NTFL requirements.

The role demands strong organisation, clear communication and the ability to handle incidents professionally. Weekend and some evening work is required, and you’ll report to the AFLNT Football Operations Coordinator,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Availability to work weekends and some evenings; must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate game day logistics, including venue setup and operational requirements.
• Support delivery of match day operations in line with NTFL Venue Operations guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with AFLNT rules, regulations and NTFL by-laws.
• Facilitate clear communication between teams, umpires, officials and venue staff.
• Brief and coordinate security personnel on operational requirements.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Verbal and written communication

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Understanding of football operations

Education

Working with Children Check (Ochre Card)

First Aid certification

Job description

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Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game

This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions across the country through football. Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.

The opportunity

As Match Manager, you’ll play an important role in delivering safe, professional and well‑run match day experiences across AFLNT venues. Your work will help ensure players, coaches, umpires, officials and fans can enjoy the game in an organised and welcoming environment.

Reporting to the AFLNT NTFL Football Operations Coordinator, this role is responsible for coordinating and overseeing match day operations before, during and after games. You’ll work closely with clubs, officials, security personnel and venue staff to ensure games run smoothly and in line with AFLNT and NTFL requirements.

What you’ll own

This role is central to the successful delivery of match day operations and venue standards across AFLNT competitions.

You’ll add value through:

• Coordinating game day logistics, including venue setup, equipment readiness and operational requirements
• Supporting the smooth delivery of match day operations in line with NTFL Venue Operations guidelines
• Ensuring compliance with AFLNT rules, regulations and NTFL by-laws
• Facilitating clear communication between teams, umpires, officials and venue staff
• Briefing and coordinating security personnel on operational requirements and responsibilities
• Monitoring schedules, protocols and operational activities throughout match day
• Responding to and resolving operational issues, incidents or complaints in a timely and professional manner
• Managing and escalating major incidents, injuries or code of conduct matters where required
• Liaising with security and relevant stakeholders to support a safe and respectful environment
• Overseeing the operation of timekeeping and scoring systems during matches
• Completing match and incident reporting for submission to the Football Operations Department
• Supporting the closure of venues and providing feedback to improve future match day operations

What you’ll bring

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Well‑developed verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures
• Sound problem‑solving skills and the ability to think on your feet during live events
• Experience working independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team
• Strong conflict resolution and stakeholder management capability
• Knowledge of Australian Rules Football and AFLNT regulations is desirable
• Understanding of football operations in the Northern Territory is desirable
• A valid Working with Children Check (Ochre Card)
• Availability to work weekends and some evenings
• First Aid certification is desirable
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Why you’ll love being on our team

At the AFL, you will be part of a values‑led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters. This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.

What you can look forward to:

• Play The Day Your Way, our flexible approach to working life, built to support you on game day and every day
• My Development, with coaching, mentoring, on‑the‑job learning and formal development to help you keep building your game
• Play Well, our health and wellbeing programme designed to support a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy workplace
• My Benefits, giving you access to a range of partner offers and discounts through our AFL Corporate Partners

Everyone has a place here

Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same.

We are committed to building a culture of belonging and an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

Whether you’re a footy fan or new to our game, we welcome everyone to apply. We know great candidates don’t always tick every box – if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.

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.