Participation Lead

AFL - Australian Football League; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization is seeking a Participation Lead in Mackay to grow participation in community programs such as NAB AFL Auskick and Superkick. This role involves training casual staff and implementing strategies to enhance youth engagement in Australian football. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience, a passion for working with children, and a valid Working with Children Check.

Qualifications

• Experience in training and mentoring staff to deliver participation programs.
• Ability to work autonomously with strong organization and planning skills.
• Excellent relationship management with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver NAB AFL Auskick and Superkick programs in schools.
• Implement strategies for growth and retention in community football.
• Onboard and support casual workforce.

Skills

Leadership experience

Mentoring and training

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Knowledge of Australian Football

Education

Valid Working with Children Check - Blue Card

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 so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

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

For many children, their first experience in our game is through participation in NAB AFL Auskick, Superkick, junior and school football programs. The core purpose of the Participation Lead is to grow participation through the professional delivery of these core programs in the Mackay area. Additionally, the Participation Lead trains and supports a team of casual staff and AFL SportsReady trainees to ensure participation programs are delivered in a professional, safe and consistent manner.

This role is critical to driving participation growth and involves working closely with the team to grow the game of AFL across the region.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. The AFL undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children in its care. Please note, employment in this position is subject to the successful candidate holding a Valid Working with Children Check – Blue Card and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

• Delivering NAB AFL Auskick and Superkick programs in community football clubs and schools
• Delivering school football competitions and programs
• Implementing growth, transition and retention strategies from NAB AFL Auskick and Superkick school programs into junior club football
• Leading quality control measures throughout all participation programs
• Supporting the Participation & Programs Manager with the participation strategy including deployment, staffing, budget and regional execution
• Onboarding, training and supporting our casual workforce
• Mentoring and supporting Participation Coordinators and Trainee Development Officers
• Working closely with Junior Community Clubs to build inclusive, sustainable environments and pathways including enhancing player recruitment, retention and transition leading by example with the input of data into our CRM – Salesforce
• Contributing to key projects within and outside of core role and supporting and contributing to the success of the broader team

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

• Previous leadership experience & proven ability to train and mentor staff (both full-time and casual) to deliver quality participation programs
• Ability to work autonomously with strong organisation and planning skills
• A fun and enthusiastic nature with a passion for working with children
• Excellent relationship and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to identify problems and provide quality solutions
• Demonstrated ability to work with volunteers and club committees
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to adapt to change, remain effective and calm when faced with changing tasks, responsibilities, or people
• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in Australian Football
• Valid Working with Children Check - Blue Card

Applications Close: 17 October 2025