Partnerships Account Manager

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 Partnerships Account Manager supports and manages the delivery of designated AFL and AFLW Sponsors, including but not limited to, day-to-day sponsorship leverage, public relations, marketing, media execution and promotional support to deliver on their objectives.

The role is designed to support the delivery of major AFL Partners, in collaboration with the Senior Account Manager, as well as managing identified AFL Partner relationships end to end. This will require the successful candidate to develop a broad understanding of each partner’s business and specific objectives behind their AFL partnership.

The role will work proactively with multiple AFL departments and relevant Stakeholders in identifying leverage opportunities to enhance their existing partnership as well as ensure we maximize the ROI on the Partnership rights and benefits. The role requires the ability to collaboratively work to strategically relevant incremental investment opportunities for partners based on their strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will have the ability to both manage solutions that benefit their Partners but also participate and support their colleagues on initiatives and solutions that benefit the entire Corporate Partner Group and team.

From time to time the role requires after-hours or weekend hosting duties.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• The position will be responsible for the AFL fulfilling its contractual responsibilities to key AFL/AFLW sponsors. In addition, this person should be proactive in initiating and driving commercial objectives, joint marketing programs and delivering mutually beneficial outcomes to partners and the AFL
• Continually monitor and review partner contractual benefits and pro-actively push ideas to partners to most effectively utilise and deliver against set objectives
• Work in partnership with AFL Digital and Sales divisions to deliver strategic leverage and integration opportunities consistent with partner plans and objectives
• Support the communication between the AFL and each partner
• Support in budget management using the designated finance system
• Produce partner presentations to support in the sales, delivery and reporting to partners
• Supporting Senior Account Manager and above with key administrative tasks, as well as support the delivery of Major AFL Corporate Partners including ticketing and hospitality inventory, Work in Progress documentation, management of player appearances and merchandise funds.

Core Competencies:

• Superior communication skills – written, verbal and presentation skills
• Outstanding customer service and relationship management skills
• Results and performance driven attitude
• Leadership
• Collaboration and ability to work well in a team environment
• Engagement

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER 

Mandatory:

• 3-5 years’ experience in a sales/marketing/sponsorship management/digital/media/agency
• Understanding or experience with commercial media/marketing initiatives
• Competence in a range of computer programs
• Team focused approach

Desired:

• Understanding of the AFL Competition
• Tertiary degree/diploma

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: 27 March 2026