Participation Coordinator

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 Participation Coordinator – NFNL Region, you’ll play an important role in growing and strengthening participation across community football programs in Melbourne’s north. This role helps create positive experiences for participants, schools, clubs and communities, while supporting more people to connect with the game at every stage of their football journey.

Working across the NFNL Region, you’ll support the delivery, growth and retention of participants across AFL Auskick, Superkick, Community Football, Nines and School Football programs. You’ll work closely with schools, clubs, community groups and key stakeholders to help build strong pathways into the game and deliver engaging football experiences across diverse communities.

What you’ll own

You’ll help drive participation outcomes that support the long-term growth of the game across the NFNL Region.

You’ll add value through:

• Coordinating the delivery of NAB AFL Auskick and Superkick programs with a focus on quality experiences and sustainable growth
• Supporting the attraction, transition and retention of participants across AFL Auskick, Superkick, Community Football, Nines and School Football
• Building strong relationships with schools, clubs, community groups and key stakeholders across the region
• Supporting the recruitment, onboarding and ongoing engagement of Auskick and Superkick Coordinators
• Assisting with the delivery and booking of school football programs to increase participation across key growth segments
• Supporting school football pathways that encourage ongoing participation in the game
• Delivering initiatives that support participation growth among female participants, multicultural communities, participants with disability and transitioning Auskickers
• Supporting the training and development of casual staff delivering AFL participation programs
• Aligning player appearances and community engagement opportunities with participation activities
• Contributing to regional and broader AFL participation projects and initiatives
• Monitoring program activity and supporting the achievement of participation targets and outcomes
• Collaborating across the broader team to deliver strong community and participant experiences

What you’ll bring

• Experience in a similar participation, community sport or program coordination role
• Strong administration and organisational capability, including experience using Microsoft Office programs
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage a broad range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with schools, clubs, community groups and volunteers
• Experience coordinating programs, activities or events with competing priorities and timelines
• Sound judgement and the ability to prioritise tasks to achieve objectives and participation outcomes
• An understanding of community football and participation programs, ideally within AFL environments
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to broader team outcomes
• Confidence delivering presentations, training or education sessions
• Strong customer service capability and stakeholder focus
• Experience supporting participation growth, engagement or retention initiatives
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic and fast-paced environments
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Sport Management, Business or a related field, or equivalent experience, will be highly regarded
• A valid Working with Children Check and willingness to complete relevant screening checks as part of the recruitment process

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
• AFL Silver Memberships for permanent team members, so you can enjoy the action at Marvel Stadium and the MCG with family and friends
• 6 months paid primary parental leave with no qualification period for permanent team members

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.

Ready to play your part?

Applications close 21 June 2026