Indigenous Talent Programs Lead
Date: 30 Oct 2026
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, AU
Company: Australian Football League
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
Talent pathways shape who gets seen, supported and given the chance to go further in our game. As Indigenous Talent Programs Lead, you will lead the national Indigenous talent pathway programs and strengthen talent outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in football. You will report to the Diversity Talent Programs Manager.
The AFL considers that identifying as an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
What you'll own
You will lead the national Indigenous talent programs from planning through to delivery. You will build strong relationships with players, families, clubs and talent staff, so every participant has the support to grow and be seen.
You'll add value through:
- Leading and managing the National Indigenous Talent Programs, including the Flying Boomerangs and Woomeras tournaments, the AFL and AFLW Indigenous Academies and the Indigenous Futures Program
- Overseeing program implementation, including the appointment of coaches, high performance staff and consultants, and the program curriculum
- Facilitating personal development and cultural education sessions across the diversity programs
- Maintaining data on player transition and retention with all state talent pathway programs
- Building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous players, families, AFL clubs and state talent staff
- Advocating for Indigenous players and supporting their identification, visibility and progression within the talent pathway
- Identifying and coordinating additional development opportunities that support player growth and readiness
- Communicating clearly with players, parents and program stakeholders, and working with talent pathway partners to highlight the Indigenous agenda
- Managing the AFL Indigenous Talent social media account and creating content that celebrates programs, opportunities and participant achievements
- Contributing to key projects within and beyond the core role, and supporting the success of the broader team
What you'll bring
- A high level of cultural competence, including understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the ability to create inclusive, culturally safe team environments
- Knowledge of, and recent experience leading, football programs, large community-based sporting programs or other Indigenous programs, with a focus on improving outcomes for Indigenous young people
- Strong existing relationships and connections with relevant community groups and networks
- Strong planning and organisation skills, with the ability to work across a number of different tasks and people
- The ability to present, influence and build rapport with support staff and young program participants
- A strong ability to engage and connect with young people
- Exposure to elite high-performance sporting environments
- Exposure to state-based community football programs
- Knowledge of how AFL and AFLW clubs work, and of the national network of talent pathway activity and the people who manage the programs (preferred)
- A commitment to delivering professional experiences by managing both major priorities and small details well
- A strong work ethic, reliability and commitment to team success in a high performing environment
- High standards of accuracy and professionalism across communication, logistics, reporting and program delivery
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.
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 13 November 2026