Umpire Recruitment & Retention Lead - NSW/ACT

Apply now »

Date: 31 Mar 2026

Location: Moore Park, New South Wales, AU

Company: Australian Football League

 

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 Umpire Recruitment and Retention Lead will be responsible for overseeing the approach to recruiting and retaining community umpires and umpire coaches.  

 

In supporting positive environments for umpires and opportunities for umpire development they will contribute to umpires coming to, and staying in, the game and ensuring there are sufficient umpires to support community football. 

 

 

 

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

 

 

  • Deliver the National Umpiring Strategy to support recruitment, engagement, training, and transition of community umpires and umpire coaches
  • Lead the establishment and delivery of localised recruitment and retention plans across all regions of NSW/ACT to drive umpire growth
  • Support the development of content and rollout of curriculum aligned to the national umpire accreditation and development system
  • Lead and deliver state-based initiatives to recruit new umpires and umpire coaches and increase diversity within community umpiring
  • Embed transition programs and mechanisms to improve umpire retention across NSW/ACT
  • Implement initiatives to strengthen umpire club environments, including upskilling and supporting umpire coaches
  • Collaborate with the National Umpire Recruitment, Development and Retention Lead and other states to share best practice
  • Drive diversity in community umpiring and support actions outlined in the Women and Girls Action Plan
  • Support and contribute to the success of the broader Game Development team
 

 

 

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER 

 

 

  • Demonstrated commitment to driving change  
  • Willingness to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver 
    outcomes  
  • Ability to build and develop relationships  
  • Experience in delivering on multiple programs of work  
  • Experience and perspectives outside of community football or officiating would be highly 
    valuable  
  • Confidence and ability to present to a diverse range of stakeholders and audiences  
  • Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal business hours, as required  
  • Self-driven and ability to work autonomously   

 

 

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:

 

14 April 2026