Indigenous Participation & Engagement Lead

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 Indigenous Engagement & Participation Lead is responsible for growing Indigenous participation through tailored community programs and our core participation programs (Auskick, Superkick, Nines, and Schools) throughout NSW/ACT, in line with the Game Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan. Through partnerships, authentic community engagement and the delivery of high-quality experiences, the Indigenous Participation & Engagement Lead will support and drive growth within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

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 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.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Provide leadership, development, and delivery of a variety of AFL programs in school; before/after‐school; and community/club environments, via annual program and delivery centre mapping.
• In line with the National Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan, initiate and lead design processes in partnership with local communities and organisations, to build local strategies for delivery of bespoke programs in targeted LGAs across NSW/ACT
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant community organisations, community leaders and representatives, AFL Clubs, and local councils to support place-based program co-design and delivery.
• Fulfill reporting requirements, including monitoring and evaluation of programs in scope.
• Lead the development and execution of AFL NSW/ACT’s Future Stars program.
• Leverage AFL Expansion Hub to elevate and align programs where relevant.
• Support the broader Participation to meet growth targets in all key program segments across NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick, AFL NINES and in school programs.
• Implement transition and retention strategies from AFL Auskick and school programs to junior club Football.
• Manage AFL NSW/ACT budgets associated with key programs delivery.
• Active member of AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Engagement Working Group.
• Active member of AFL NSW/ACT’s NAIDOC Cup Working Group.
• Support Indigenous talent initiatives as required.
• Provide advice on cultural engagement principles and protocols to the broader business.
• Provide support to state and national team with media and marketing requirements, capturing case studies for storytelling and content purposes.
• Provide support on education and training requirements for cultural awareness and cultural capability building for relevant AFL NSW/ACT staff.
• Support community clubs to continue to become more inclusive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
• Support delivery of key national events at a state level – including but not limited to Sir Doug Nicholls Round, AFLW Indigenous Round Community Football Indigenous rounds, NADICO Week and National Reconciliation Week.
• Support and contribute to the success of the broader team, and on other projects as required.

CORE COMPETENCIES 

Cross-Cultural Understanding and Capability | Community Engagement

• Knowledge, experience and understanding in engaging and consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.
• Developing and implementing community projects and activities to foster social inclusion and cohesion
• An ability to communicate effectively and in a culturally responsive manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Stakeholder Management

• Demonstrated experience in partnering with and influencing a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and relationship management across a geographically diverse team.

Project Management and Delivery

• Able to manage processes, people, and tasks.
• Effective time management
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Personal initiative and ability to work effectively unsupervised and lead key projects.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Energy, drive, enthusiasm, and self-motivation coupled with a strong work ethic and “can do” approach.

OUR CULTURE

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

Applications Close: 8 July 2025