Managing Editor - AFL

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Date: 25 Aug 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
 

The Managing Editor - AFL is responsible for defining and executing the editorial content strategy (AFL.com.au and AFL Live App), driving audience growth and supporting commercial outcomes across owned AFL channels as well as supporting broader business consumption metrics – including, but not limited to, attendances, memberships, and participation.

 

The role leads the creation and delivery of the AFL’s digital content strategy (news, article features, video, audio) working with other departments, in particular Commercial, Product, and Marketing to create value for the organisation.

 

Overseeing a wider team of video producers, editors, journalists, on-air talent, digital and news producers and vertical video producers to develop and execute the content strategy, creating and distributing content across text, video and audio formats to achieve audience and commercial outcomes.

 

Working closely with the Head of AFL Digital Network, this role is critical in deepening content engagement with AFL fans, supporting the commercialisation of the AFL Digital Network and continuing to evolve and transform to stay ahead of modern content trends and distribution tactics.

 

If you have a strong news sense, a great eye for compelling video content, thrive leading and influencing an ever changing and fast paced environment, and distributing a digital-first content slate that is consumed at scale, then this could be the perfect role for you.

 
 
What you’ll own
 
You’ll add value through:
 
  • Developing and overseeing the daily, monthly and annual content schedule for the AFL app and afl.com.au including news, feature, video and audio slate.
  • Overseeing all aspects of publishing AFL content across owned (AFL platforms) channels
  • Leading the AFL content and editorial teams to generate stories which drive audience growth and deepen fan engagement
  • Managing the video content strategy and a team of producers, videographers and on-air talent
  • Providing leadership, development and management for a broad team of permanent, contract and casual staff
  • Working closely with key stakeholders at the AFL and Clubs including Corporate Affairs, Digital Product, Marketing, Football Operations, Commercial and Licensing.
  • Developing commercial and consumption metrics to measure efficacy and efficiency of content across AFL digital channels
  • Working with Head of AFL Digital Network to ensure a consistent tone of voice and editorial guidelines that are consistent with AFL’s overall fan growth strategy.
  • Creating the AFL commercial content slate and working with the commercial team to drive revenue
  • Working closely with the Digital Product team to optimise distribution and presentation of content on the AFL app and website to engage fans more deeply and widely.
  • Leading day to day operations of the AFL content team
  • Leading, presenting, executing, measuring and reporting on the effectiveness of the AFL content strategy
  • Implementing an effective process to manage, measure and evaluate content creators and report on editorial and branded content metrics, developing dashboards to communicate to the business
  • Implementing an effective process to ideate and generate creative content and distribution strategies
  • Ensuring that all content on AFL digital platforms adheres to all legal requirements, commercial agreements, including various media rights agreements
  • Engaging and managing talent for AFL content, including for regular programming, branded and “always on” content
 
 
 
What you’ll bring
 
  • Ability to design and execute content strategies that drive audience growth and revenue
  • Extensive experience managing, inspiring and leading diverse teams and engaging on-screen/creative talent.
  • Editorial & creative expertise with strong storytelling instincts, tone of voice management, and video content strategy. Thrive in a fast-paced and ever changing news and content environment, with the ability to juggle multiple threads at the one time.
  • Commercial and financial acumen - proven experience linking content performance to business outcomes and reporting on metrics. Managing budgets and resources to deliver content outcomes efficiently.
  • Demonstrable experience collaborating cross-functionally, working effectively with marketing, product, commercial, clubs, and broadcast stakeholders
  • Track record of operational excellence in overseeing publishing processes, workflows, and compliance with legal/media rights agreements.
  • Managing relationship with third-party vendors including studios, software licensors, talent and player agents.
  • Excellent digital & analytical skills and an eye to best-practice when it comes to digital content and distribution
  • Experience using AI in a publishing, data or video context
 
 
 
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 11 September 2026