Diversity & Inclusion Manager NSW/ACT

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 Diversity and Inclusion Manager is responsible for leadership and influence in all areas across Culturally Diverse, Inclusion and LGBTQI+ communities and programs throughout AFL NSW/ACT programs and networks. A key function of this role is growing participation through tailored community programs and our core participation programs (Auskick, Superkick, Nines, and Schools) throughout NSW/ACT, in line with the Game Development Multicultural and Inclusion Action Plans. Through partnerships, authentic community engagement and the delivery of high-quality experiences, the Diversity and Inclusion Manager will support and drive growth within Multicultural and LGBTQI+ communities and people living with a disability to connect with AFL.

Our goal at the AFL is to progress the game so that everyone can share its heritage and possibilities, and this role truly contributes to this goal.

This is a critical role based in Sydney, with a key focus on Western Sydney, that will continue to drive Australian Rules Football (AFL) to be a more accessible game for all to enjoy the benefits that sport has to offer.

Key Relationships

• National Diversity and Inclusion Colleagues and networks
• NSW/ACT Indigenous Engagement and Program Manager
• Participation Managers and team members
• Community Football Managers and team members
• AFL Community Ambassadors
• State and Local Government agencies including Multicultural NSW, State Government
• Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS AFL Clubs
• AFL Fan Hub and GDE team
• Bachar Houli Foundation
• Key School Principals and networks

Job Profile

• Develop and lead AFL NSW/ACT’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy in line with the requirements of the AFL’s Game Development Action plans across Multicultural and Inclusion portfolios to drive participation growth and connection with AFL.
• Develop strategic alignment with the GWS GIANTS and Sydney Swans to ensure maximum strategic benefits for the code and clubs on key programs and initiatives.
• Build and leverage partnerships with all levels of Government, corporate and community partners to deliver inclusion, education, leadership and training outcomes for AFL in NSW/ACT.
• Oversee the growth and connection of the AFL NSW/ACT networks to AFL themed matches and other key diversity and inclusion events in NSW/ACT.
• Facilitate and support cross cultural awareness and competence training for AFL NSW/ACT staff and the wider NSW/ACT football community.
• Prepare and manage AFL NSW/ACT Diversity and inclusion budget and seek opportunities to build capacity and reach through third party funding opportunities.
• Lead and manage key external relationships with key partners inclusive of Transport NSW and Multicultural NSW and all requirements related to funding.
• Fulfill reporting requirements, including monitoring and evaluation of programs in scope.
• Collaborate with the AFL Fan Hub and GDE teams to elevate and align programs where relevant.
• Implement transition and retention strategies from all AFL programs inclusive of AFL Auskick, Superkick and school programs to junior club Football and bespoke programming.
• Oversee expansion, delivery and alignment of key talent programs with key partners to provide full talent pathways including the Multicultural Future Stars program, Bachar Houli Programs and Toyota AFL Open programs and pathways.
• Provide leadership and support to state media and marketing requirements, capturing case studies for storytelling and content purposes.
• Lead the integration of the Bachar Houli Foundation programs within NSW/ACT.
• Provide advice on cultural engagement principles and protocols to the broader business.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership skills and development of high performing teams
• Outstanding networking skills and in particular the ability to collaborate, influence and facilitate outcomes internally and with external stakeholders
• Thorough understanding of the Multicultural communities and networks
• Proven strategic thinking, planning and implementation capabilities
• Well-developed verbal and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Proven business development skills and outstanding stakeholder relationship management skills
• Well-developed negotiation, research and analytical skills and the ability to seek innovative solutions
• Capacity to remain effective when faced with changing tasks, responsibilities or people
• Strong commercial acumen
• Well-developed financial management and reporting skills
• Due to the nature of the sporting industry must be willing to work outside normal business hours from time to time such as evenings and weekends

Mandatory

• Experience working with Multicultural and or people living with a disability to a high standard.
• Understanding of the social and political issues facing Multicultural, LGBTIQ communities and people living with a disability.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate across a broad range of culturally & linguistically diverse groups
• Experience in community engagement and in dealing and liaising with State Government Departments and Local Councils
• Energy, drive, enthusiasm and self-motivation coupled with a strong work ethic and “can do” approach
• Ability to innovate, challenge convention and manage change
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and high level of stakeholder management
• Proven financial management and accountability

Desirable

• Understanding of contemporary trends, processes and issues relating to community planning and development

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: 21 November 2025