Participation Manager - Greater Sydney

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

The Participation Manager will lead and guide our development workforce to grow participation in their defined region.  The role will be responsible for growing participation in Auskick, Schools, Superkick and AFL Nines and drive transition of participants into community football and other products to continue their journey with our game.  Additionally, they will look for opportunities specific to their geographical region to support our growth aspirations as well as ensure experiences of all participants are always of a high quality.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:
 

• Design and implement tactical growth, transition, and retention strategies across all participation products (Auskick, Superkick, AFL 9’s and Schools) in coordination with your local development team and broader functional team to achieve aspirational growth targets.

• Lead and guide local Development staff to deliver operational excellence in all facets of program delivery to ensure a quality experience for every participant.

• Ensure that all programming is designed to achieve sustainable growth outcomes for the AFL.

• Establish and deliver growth plans for all AFL Sydney Junior clubs within their designated sub region.

• Using data via platforms including Fan view, Salesforce and Deputy to understand the challenges and opportunities specific to your geographical areas and drive strategic outcomes specific to your sub region.

• Provide coaching, and education to all Participation Leads, Coordinators and the casual workforce to drive capability and best practice delivery within the team.

• Collaborate with Functional Leads to align with State and National strategies to deliver objectives driving growth for the Women and Girls and Diversity and Inclusion sectors

• Collaborate internally with the Community Football team, to understand the challenges and opportunities in Community clubs and drive actions to support growth and transition of participants.

• Lead diverse thinking and planning to ensure we are attracting new markets to our game

• Manage the budget and meet financial targets in the sub region.

• Contributing to key projects within and outside of core role and supporting and contributing to the success of the broader team

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core competencies:

• Experience in leading and developing high performance teams, including experience in motivating and influencing outcome.

• Ability to identify problems and provide quality solutions

• Technically savvy and able to work with systems, previous experience with Customer Relationship Management systems would be beneficial

• Ability to work autonomously with strong organization and planning skills  

• Excellent relationship and stakeholder engagement  

• Excellent verbal communication skills 

• Ability to adapt to change, remain effective and calm when faced with changing tasks, responsibilities, or people 

• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in Australian Football 

• Valid WWCC and Drivers License  

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!

OUR CULTURE

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

Applications Close: 14 May 2025