National Community Football Compliance & Operations Lead
Date: 18 Sept 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 National Community Football Compliance & Operations Lead plays an important role in strengthening compliance, governance and operational outcomes across local football throughout Australia.
Based in Melbourne and reporting to the National Community Football Compliance & Operations Manager, you will provide practical expertise on policies, rules, compliance and operational matters.
You will work closely with State and Territory teams, leagues and controlling bodies to support the consistent and effective implementation of national frameworks.
Through trusted advice, education and process improvement, you will help stakeholders navigate complex matters and improve the way compliance support is delivered across community football.
What you’ll own
You will support clear, consistent and practical approaches to community football policy, governance and compliance across the national network.
You’ll add value through:
- Supporting the ongoing review, administration and improvement of the National Community Football Policy Handbook
- Providing clear and practical guidance on the interpretation and application of community football policies, rules and regulations
- Managing and supporting the resolution of complex compliance, disciplinary and operational matters
- Developing and maintaining practical resources, tools and education materials that build stakeholder understanding and capability
- Supporting the consistent implementation of national policies, rules and governance frameworks
- Managing coach and umpire eligibility and accreditation compliance in line with the National Community Football Policy Handbook
- Monitoring emerging issues, trends and risks, and recommending improvements to policies, processes and operational outcomes
- Contributing to improvements across systems and digital platforms that strengthen compliance, efficiency and stakeholder experience
- Supporting the collection, analysis and reporting of compliance data to inform decisions and continuous improvement
- Using technology and AI to improve how work is delivered and support effective, efficient and innovative outcomes
What you’ll bring
- Demonstrated experience in policy, compliance, governance or operational management within sport, a membership-based organisation or another complex environment
- Strong knowledge of community football rules, regulations, competition management and operational practices
- Experience interpreting and applying policy and governance frameworks to complex or sensitive matters
- The ability to build trusted relationships and provide practical advice across diverse stakeholder groups
- Confidence to constructively challenge established approaches when better outcomes can be achieved
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex issues into clear, reasoned and practical guidance
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple workstreams
- Sound judgement, considered problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement
- The ability to navigate complex issues effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment
- A collaborative approach grounded in integrity, fairness and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for community football
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 and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
Ready to play your part?
Applications close 2 October 2026