Schools and Innovative Venue Growth Lead - VIC

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 for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game.

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

The Schools and Innovative Venue Growth Lead - VIC role is integral to the AFL’s Victorian Venue Network Enhancements and Partnerships team to drive and support the development and growth of new playing fields and related facilities infrastructure throughout Victoria.  The role is focused on creating innovative partnerships, undertaking planning and leading project development and delivery, to address oval capacity and facility demands in areas of most need throughout Victoria.

We will be closed for our annual closure period from December 22 2025, returning January 12 2026. Over this closure period, applications will not be responded to during this time.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

• Analyse available AFL data and land availability to identify potential partnership possibilities for new ground capacity for our sport across Victoria
• Develop strong relationships with the education and government sector, along with other land owners that may be able to partner with the AFL (e.g. racing codes and golf courses)
• Work with the National and Victorian AFL Venue Network Enhancements and Partnerships team to assess and prioritise possible opportunities
• Undertake specific detailed planning for those sites deemed of sufficient potential.  Such planning should enable an informed discussion to develop around the site’s development needs to become an asset for our sport and the willingness of all stakeholders to commit to long term usage and maintenance schedules of a future developed site
• Develop detailed business cases for investment consideration of priority sites
• Project manage the implementation of projects and initiation of our sports localised use of the land through our regional staff and local leagues, clubs, Auskick groups and other stakeholders
• Contribute to key projects within and outside of core role
• Support and contribute to the success of the broader team

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to prepare project feasibility assessments, business cases and other relevant reports
• Strong experience in planning and development of sporting infrastructure  
• Experience using data and stakeholder insights to drive prioritisation and evidence-based decision making

Desired:

• A relevant tertiary degree or commensurate relevant experience
• Strong knowledge of community football clubs, and the education and local government sectors in Victoria
• Experience in project management
• Track record of securing facilities funding from a range of government and other bodies 

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
• AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!

Applications Close: 25 January 2026