Senior Strategic Communications Manager

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 Senior Strategic Communications Manager plays a critical role in shaping and protecting the reputation of the AFL and the broader football industry. Working at the centre of complex and high-profile issues, this role helps ensure the AFL is proactive, aligned and credible in how it communicates on matters that impact the game, our people and our communities.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager Corporate Affairs, you will lead strategic, insight-led communications approaches across significant industry issues including concussion, inclusion, racism, mental health and integrity. You will work across the organisation to bring together information, perspectives and priorities to develop clear narratives, support informed decision-making and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

This role is suited to a senior communications professional who can anticipate emerging issues, navigate complexity and provide trusted strategic counsel in a fast-moving environment.

What you’ll own

You will help drive a more proactive, coordinated and strategically aligned communications approach across the AFL.

You’ll add value through:

• Leading proactive communication strategies on significant industry and reputational issues impacting the AFL and the broader football ecosystem
• Identifying emerging risks, trends and sensitivities, and developing clear narratives that support the AFL’s position and priorities
• Translating complex and evolving issues into clear, consistent and compelling messaging for internal and external stakeholders
• Developing strategic briefs, key messages and communication frameworks to support executive decision-making and stakeholder engagement
• Monitoring the media, government and broader external environment to inform proactive positioning and communications planning
• Partnering across AFL departments to ensure alignment and consistency of messaging on complex or sensitive matters
• Supporting coordination between the AFL, clubs and key stakeholders on high-priority industry issues
• Developing forward-looking communication plans aligned to strategic priorities, major announcements and emerging risks
• Ensuring the AFL is prepared with considered messaging and communication approaches ahead of key moments and issues
• Providing senior strategic advice on reputational risk and issues management matters
• Working closely with Corporate Affairs, Legal, Integrity and Football teams to support coordinated and effective responses to complex issues
• Contributing to a disciplined and insight-led approach to proactive communications across the organisation

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience in strategic communications, corporate affairs or public affairs within a complex and high-profile environment
• Proven capability managing sensitive, high-risk or reputational issues and delivering proactive communication strategies
• Demonstrated experience providing trusted advice and counsel to senior leaders and executives
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate issues, risks and stakeholder impacts
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear and compelling messaging
• Highly developed stakeholder management and influencing capability across diverse and senior audiences
• Experience working across large, matrixed organisations and coordinating multiple stakeholders and perspectives
• Strong judgement and the ability to navigate ambiguity, complexity and competing priorities
• Ability to synthesise large volumes of information into actionable insights, narratives and recommendations
• Strong understanding of the media landscape, public discourse and reputational dynamics
• Experience operating effectively in fast-paced and evolving environments
• High levels of professionalism, discretion and integrity
• Exposure to elite sport, government, media or similarly high-pressure environments will be highly regarded
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach to supporting organisational outcomes

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: 1 June 2026