Special Event 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 so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

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

Marvel Stadium is one of the busiest multi-purpose stadiums in the world, welcoming over two million patrons each year through its gates. As the home of elite AFL matches, Marvel Stadium also hosts international sporting events, major concerts, and entertainment experiences, showcasing global stars like Coldplay, Paul McCartney, P!NK, and Oasis.  

The Special Events Manager leads the planning and execution of major and special events, driving innovation and continuous improvement for major events across Marvel Stadium, ensuring that major events, from AFL match days to concerts, are delivered flawlessly, safely, and efficiently.  

This role will lead the planning of special and major stadium events providing detailed event planning, managing stakeholder engagement, logistics coordination, ensuring full compliance with legislative and stadium protocols and procedures, and event costings. It is the Special Event Manager's responsibility to ensure Marvel Stadium maintains its gold standard reputation in live event delivery. Reporting to the Manager Stadium Events, Resilience & Services (ERSM), and working closely with the Senior Event Managers, the Special Events Manager will act as a strategic leader and play a crucial role in shaping future major concerts and standalone sporting fixtures with innovation, precision, and operational excellence.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Below is a detailed overview of the key responsibility areas for this new and unique role with our amazing events team.  We encourage applicants to consider these before applying and will look for solid previous experience and skills in these areas during our shortlisting.  If you find yourself ticking a lot of boxes as you read through them, we’d love to see your application! 

Event Planning & Delivery  

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of major stadium events, ensuring seamless, high-quality delivery.  

• Develop comprehensive event operation plans, covering all aspects including crowd management, safety, security, logistics, staffing, and transport.  

• Establish clear project timelines and manage planning milestones across all departments.  

• Oversee onsite event delivery and proactively troubleshoot operational challenges as they arise.  

Stakeholder & Relationship Management  

• Collaborate with promoters, sporting bodies, internal departments, and production teams to align efforts and ensure event success.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including event organisers, sponsors, vendors, and governing bodies.  

• Liaise with local authorities, emergency services, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and a safe event environment.  

Innovation & Experience  

• Identify and implement innovative solutions that enhance the spectator experience and drive operational efficiency.  

• Remain across industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure delivery remains cutting-edge.  

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement  

• Lead post-event reviews, capturing stakeholder feedback and identifying opportunities for future enhancement.  

• Prepare professional post-event reports with insights on operational performance, financial outcomes, and strategic recommendations.  

Commercial & Financial Oversight  

• Support the stadium’s commercial objectives by contributing to revenue-generating event strategies.  

• Develop and manage event budgets, forecasts, and cost tracking to optimise efficiency and value.  

• Lead contract negotiations and ensure high-quality service delivery from all event service providers. 

MANDATORY EXPERIENCE

• 5 years + experience with large crowd capacities (20k +) and the intricacies of multiple activations.  

• Established knowledge of venue operations across major event production, staffing, security, facilities, and merchandising  

• Proven leadership in a complex stadium, venue or event environments that requires a large scale (500+) workforce overlay  

• Expertise in venue infrastructure, safety regulations, and strong understanding of crowd management strategies, techniques and behaviours  

• Deep understanding of large-scale event operations, logistics, and stadium-specific event requirements  

• Experience in holding Chief Warden or Deputy Chief Warden responsibilities in a public event environment  

• Qualification/s in Event Management or similar disciplines  

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES  

• Proven expertise in coordinating major concerts and sporting events  

• Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail and ability to develop highly professional documentation and present with confidence and flair  

• High energy with proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders  

• Adept at working under pressure, crisis management, troubleshooting, and adapting to evolving environments  

• Ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, effective manner while making informed decisions  

• Professional confidence with highly developed communication and problem-solving skills  

• Ability to guide, direct, and inspire cross-functional teams without formal authority  

• Proactive approach to supporting all levels and disciplines across the stadium for seamless event delivery  

• Strong decision-making skills and ability to influence event execution through expertise and collaboration  

• Sound understanding of client and customer needs, within the entertainment and sporting industries  

• Forward-thinking, proactive, and adaptable to industry shifts  

• Ability to understand and comply with regulatory, compliance and legal requirements applicable to major stadium, infrastructure industries, and sport and entertainment events  

• Constructive and proactive leadership of people and change  

• Strong technical and learning agility to apply new concepts and continuously improve  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Based within the Stadium Operations team, working closely with event promoters, operational staff, and executive leadership
• Required to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays, depending on major event schedules
• Involves both office-based strategic planning and on-site event oversight

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

Applications Close: 8 July 2025