Regional Development Lead - Tiwi Islands

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE –  This is a max term role approx August 2026.

AFLNT is seeking an energetic and values driven individual to facilitate and oversee AFL programs, senior men, women and youth competitions in Wurrumiyanga and surrounding Tiwi Islands communities. All programs are designed to promote positive health, wellbeing, and social cohesion throughout remote Indigenous communities.

Focus areas for this role includes increasing AFL participation for Indigenous women and girls, facilitating engaging and meaningful activities for youth, and supporting the Tiwi Islands Football League competitions. This role is responsible for planning and delivering targeted AFL programs aligned to these focus areas.

This role is based in Wurrumiyanga, with service delivery to communities throughout the Tiwi Islands, and works alongside the Football Development Lead – Tiwi Islands. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to harnessing strong working relationships with Traditional Owners, schools and service providers, Government agencies and partner organisations.

Due to the remote location, this role offers additional benefits and support including a remote living support package.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

DAY IN THE LIFE

• Design, deliver and report on targeted AFL activities throughout the Tiwi Islands communities
• Support the Tiwi Islands Football League competitions for senior men, women, and youth through administration and operational tasks
• Elevate the Tiwi Islands Football League junior competitions to a highly esteemed regular fixture
• Develop governance structures and policies to support the long-term sustainability of the Tiwi Islands Football League
• Facilitate AFL Coach and Umpire accreditation courses
• Work closely with partner organisations to maximise participant engagement to achieve the greatest social impact through AFL activities
• Manage a small team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander casual 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
• Keep up-to-date reporting and participation statistics on AFL participation outcomes
• Manage AFL assets appropriately and regularly

Core Competencies

• AFL competition management and operations
• Coordinate, train and recognise volunteers in the football environment
• Develop and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, and work with and proactively influence people
• Work autonomously, manage time effectively, meet deadlines and utilise on-ground support to achieve key outcomes
• Manage AFLNT fleet vehicles, including regular servicing and condition reports
• Work within the structures and policies of the AFL, AFLNT and AFLNT Indigenous Programs team

Mandatory

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills, and experience building rapport with a diverse range of people
• Ability to work weekends and after hours, and travel to remote Indigenous communities (including driving un-sealed roads, travelling by ferry and by light aircraft)
• Valid manual driver’s licence and NT Working with Children’s Check (Ochre Card)
• Valid, or ability to acquire, Bronze Medallion, light rigid driver’s licence, First Aid Certificate, 4WD training

Desirable

• Demonstrated cross-cultural awareness and experience in Indigenous communities
• Level 2 (Silver) AFL Coaching Accreditation

Child Safety Standards

The AFL has a commitment to ensure we provide professional, safe and enjoyable environments to children and young people who participate in our game.

The executive and management of our organisation are responsible for undertaking recruitment and ensuring that our process’s and systems are robust and thorough, as well as being communicated and understood internally. Our recruitment process is a 5-step process and includes meeting and engaging with a variety of key people from across the organisation as well as completing thorough verification checks.

As part of our comprehensive recruitment process we ensure that all safety and legislative checks such as working with children checks, Criminal background checks, employment and personal reference checks are completed to ensure anyone working for the AFL is fit for the role they are employed in, prior to commencing employment.

The AFL takes the safety of children and young people very seriously and reviews all process and procedures in line with current state and federal legislation.

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