State Coaching and Umpiring 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 NSW/ACT Coaching and Umpire Manager is responsible for strategic leadership, and operational direction in all elements of Coaching and Umpire programs and pathways across AFL NSW/ACT networks. This role will lead, develop and implement the state’s umpire and coaching strategies in line with broader national frameworks, and the organisation’s participation and performance objectives. 

The State Manager role drives the leadership and support across recruitment, retention, education and performance of umpires and coaches, fostering an inclusive and high performing culture that values continual improvement, integrity and innovation.

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.

Key Relationships

• State and National Umpiring and Coaching colleagues and networks
• NSW/ACT Community Football Managers and team members

• Community Umpire coordinators
• Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS AFL Clubs
• AFL Fan Hub and GDE teams
• Growth and Experience Colleagues
• State and League Umpire associations and networks
• AFL NSW/ACT Coach Developers

Reports to: Growth and Experiences Manager NSW/ACT

Direct Reports:

• Umpire Coach Education Coordinator
• Umpire Recruitment and Retention Lead
• Coach Education Coordinator
• Coaching and Umpiring Coordinator

Job Profile

• Develop and lead AFL NSW/ACT’s Coaching and Umpire Growth strategy in line with the requirements of the National Framework across NSW/ACT.
• Establish and drive new initiatives that grow umpire and coach numbers through a series of recruitment, retention and transition campaigns across all disciplines and sub regions of NSW/ACT.
• Develop and implement an AFL Sydney Umpire and Coaching Strategy that supports the introduction of an elevated league in line with AFL Sydney Competitions review and strategic direction.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, delivery partners and governing bodies, internally and externally to support Umpire and Coaching performance and growth.
• Manage and fulfill reporting requirements, including monitoring and evaluation of programs in scope and performance records.
• Collaborate with the AFL Fan Hub and GDE to elevate and align programs where relevant to drive greater marketing and promotion of the game.
• Oversee expansion, delivery and alignment of key talent programs and pathways to ensure greater number of talented umpires and coaches progress through these pathways.
• Provide leadership and support to state media and marketing requirements, capturing case studies for storytelling and content purposes.
• Ensuring umpiring and coaching initiatives are in place to support greater diversity of umpire and coaching numbers.
• Establish and set a high-performance culture for umpires and coaches that deliver best practice umpire and coaching practices and programs supported by enhancing the quality of education, development and accreditation programs accessible and available.
• Prepare and manage AFL NSW/ACT budgets
• Support other key areas of the business as required.

Core Competencies

• Outstanding networking skills and in particular the ability to collaborate, influence and facilitate outcomes internally and with external stakeholders
• Proven strategic thinking, planning and implementation capabilities
• Excellent negotiation, research and analytical skills and the ability to seek innovative solutions
• Capacity to remain effective when faced with changing tasks, responsibilities or people
• 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

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in umpiring, coaching, or comparable high-performance sporting environments, with demonstrated impact in program development and delivery.
• Strategic understanding of current trends and practices and issues that support growth.
• Energy, drive, enthusiasm and self-motivation coupled with a strong work ethic and “can do” approach
• Demonstrated leadership skills and development of high performing teams
• An innovative mindset, with the ability to challenge convention, drive continuous improvement and effectively manage change
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build credibility, influence, and maintain strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven financial management and accountability
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing growth strategies that strengthen participation, engagement, and high performing teams
• Proven leadership and stakeholder relationship management skills 
• Knowledge of education and community participation sectors 
• Ability to mentor and create positive learning environments for staff and volunteers

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