Participation Lead - Darling Downs

Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game.

This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions. Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.

The opportunity

Play a hands-on role in growing participation across the Darling Downs by delivering high-quality programs that shape how people first experience Australian Football.

As Participation Lead – Darling Downs, you’ll lead the delivery of NAB AFL Auskick, Superkick and school programs across the region, supporting clubs and communities to build strong, inclusive and sustainable participation pathways.

Based in Toowoomba, you’ll also support and coordinate a casual workforce to ensure programs are delivered safely, consistently and to a high standard.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity.

What you’ll own

You’ll drive the delivery of participation programs that are engaging, consistent and built for growth across the region.

You’ll add value through:

• Delivering NAB AFL Auskick and Superkick programs across community clubs and schools
• Coordinating and delivering school football competitions and participation programs
• Implementing initiatives that support growth, retention and transition into junior club football
• Maintaining quality and consistency across all participation programs
• Supporting regional participation planning, including program deployment and local execution
• Onboarding, scheduling, training and supporting casual staff to deliver safe and engaging programs
• Building strong relationships with junior community clubs to strengthen inclusive environments and participation pathways
• Supporting club outcomes across player recruitment, retention and transition
• Ensuring accurate and timely data capture in CRM systems (Salesforce)
• Contributing to broader team priorities and projects that support participation growth

What you’ll bring

• Experience delivering sport, community or participation programs, ideally with a focus on junior or school-based environments
• Demonstrated capability to train, mentor and support staff, including casual team members
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities
• Experience working with community stakeholders, including clubs, schools, volunteers or committees
• Sound judgement and problem-solving capability, with the ability to respond effectively to challenges
• Clear and confident verbal communication skills across a range of audiences
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing to a broader team environment
• Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, welcoming and safe environments for participants
• Experience supporting or implementing participation growth initiatives
• Working knowledge of Australian Football and community sport environments
• Proficiency or willingness to work with CRM systems such as Salesforce
• Valid Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
• Willingness to complete a criminal history record check

Why you’ll love being on our team

At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters. This is a place where people play to wn, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.

What you can look forward to:

• Play The Day Your Way, our flexible approach to working life, built to support you on game day and every day
• My Development, with coaching, mentoring, on-the-job learning and formal development to help you keep building your game
• Play Well, our health and wellbeing programme designed to support a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy workplace
• My Benefits, giving you access to a range of partner offers and discounts through our AFL Corporate Partners
• AFL Silver Memberships for permanent team members, so you can enjoy the action at Marvel Stadium and the MCG with family and friends
• 6 months paid primary parental leave with no qualification period for permanent team members

Everyone has a place here

Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same. We are committed to building an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

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.

Ready to play your part?

Applications close 15 May 2026