Senior 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 Senior Partnerships Account Manager is required to manage the AFL’s relationship with designated key corporate partners. They will develop a broad understanding of each partner’s business and clear understanding of the specific objectives behind their AFL partnership. Day to day sponsorship leverage, public relations, marketing, media execution and promotional support to deliver on their objectives and demonstrate strong ROI is critical. The role will work proactively with multiple AFL departments and relevant Stakeholders in identifying leverage opportunities to enhance their existing partnership. The role requires the ability to collaboratively work up 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 the Partnerships Lead on initiatives and solutions that benefits the entire Corporate Partner Group and team.

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

Key Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the AFL fulfilling its contractual responsibilities to key AFL/AFLW sponsors
• Be proactive in initiating and driving commercial objectives, joint marketing programs and delivering mutually beneficial outcomes to partners and the AFL
• Establish yearly objectives of each partnership, key KPI’s and provide ongoing reporting/tracking against objectives
• 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
• Manage the communication and business relationships between the AFL and each partner
• Manage budgeting and operations plan for identified Partners
• Assist in the development and support of Partnerships Managers and Coordinators
• Manage the compilation of market research and analysis data collected on behalf of Partners
• Develop major mid-season and post-season presentations for each Partner
• Assist in renewal discussions with Partners when applicable

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

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

Mandatory:

• 5-7 years’ experience in a sales/marketing/sponsorship management/digital/media/agency
• Competence in budget management
• Understanding of strategic marketing processes
• Experience in analysing market information and developing reports
• 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: 9 January 2026