Career Opportunities: Regional Development Lead - Lajamanu NT (11832)

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
 

AFL has an exciting opportunity for a passionate person to work as a Regional Development Lead based in Lajamanu, NT. This role’s focus is to develop and facilitate football related programs that aim to improve education, social and employment outcomes for Indigenous people and communities. This position is responsible for delivering community enhancement football themed program designed to achieve lasting health, fitness and general wellbeing outcomes for the Lajamanu Community.

The Lajamanu Football Program has seen many successes in 2024, including an extensive school and Auskick program and the support of the senior Men’s program in the Big Rivers Football League. The program has also given the youth of Lajamanu and surrounding communities an opportunity to showcase their talent in regional carnivals. AFL NT have developed strong partnerships with local organisations and community members, these partnerships along with the overall foundation of the program will allow the successful applicant to continue to achieve and provide a positive impact to the community.

This is a maximum term role based in Lajamanu, Northern Territory.

Job Profile

Football Operations:

• Provide support to the Lajamanu Football league by scheduling for the season, player registrations, overseeing weekly football operations and supporting the administrative functions of the league
• Initiate and coordinate a female and junior football competitions in the community
• Recruit, train, mentor and manage part time Development Officers
• Facilitate umpire training & accreditation- men & women
• Facilitate coaching training & accreditation- men & women
• Assist in arranging governance training for local leagues

School based Football Program Delivery

• Provide regular football themed programs to students in school, in consultation with the school
• Work with other local organisations to deliver sport and health themed programs to students

Michael Long Learning & Leadership Centre/Education:

• Promote and increase school attendance outcomes through football related incentive programs and regular school engagement
• Assist in preparing students from the region to attend a 1-week residential education program at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre (MLLLC), including attendance at the program with students
• Promote broad health and wellbeing messages in the region

Talent:

• Develop players in the region to engage in talent opportunities through regional, state and national AFL pathways
• Support players to attend the Regional and Remote Michael Long Cup/s.

Game Development:

• Provide training, development and national accreditation opportunities through AFL administration, coaching and umpiring courses
• Coordinate a player skill development for footballers from 5 years to senior football including;
  • • AFL Auskick – for male and females aged 5 to 9 years
    • AFL Juniors competition for children aged 10 - 16 years

Key Relationships

Line Manager:

NT Indigenous Programs Lead

Internal: 

• AFLNT employees
• NT Talent Academy Team

External:

• Lajamanu Schools
• Football teams
• Indigenous Elders
• Local Councils
• Community organisations

Key Deliverables

• Educational outcomes:

Improvement of educational outcomes for Indigenous youth using football activities as a medium for encouraging and improving school attendance.

• Social Outcomes:

Prove a healthy physical outlet for Indigenous people to assist in reducing anti-social behaviour, violence, and substance misuse. Promote positive team environments with lessons of team work, leadership, good sportsmanship and community cohesion. 

• Leadership:

Develop opportunities to promote leadership throughout the region through acting as a mentor to students and AFL participants. Providing information and assisting to increase awareness of mental health, domestic violence, substance misuse and road safety awareness by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

• Engagement with the Michael Long Learning & Leadership Centre:

Participate in all required residential programs, including facilitation of the administrative component and support students and families with information on the program.

• Football Operations:

Oversee the community league’s and competition to increase health and fitness outcomes and identify potential talent.

• Talent:

Explore talent opportunities for male and female from the Region to participate in the NT Thunder state academy U16, U18, senior programs and the Hawthorn Hawks Academy. Selecting eligible youth that demonstrate regular school attendance and positive behaviour’s to participate in football and other sporting activities.

Core Competencies

Strategic Planning and Organisation

• Ability to work automatously and structure workload to meet KPIs and local community demands
• Able to prioritise program deliverables to achieve the greatest and most relevant outcomes for the community

People Management

• Ability to engage and inspire community members through AFL programs
• Understand and demonstrate the ability to co-ordinate, train and recognise volunteers in the football environment

Time Management

• Able to effectively organise daily priorities in line with objectives to increase control and personal productivity

Communication Skills

• Ability to deliver key messages to stakeholders and community members in sometimes challenging circumstances   
• Relates easily to others, friendly and professional
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to adapt communication style to suit the audience
• Demonstrate a sound operational knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications and email

House and Vehicle Management

• Ability manage vehicle and housing leases in line with AFLNT policies and procedures
• Ability to safely travel on outback roads and travel long distances

Stakeholder Management

• Able to manage and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders

Experience

Mandatory

• Ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively and meet deadlines
• Ability to process and deal with conflict as it may arise
• Valid NT working with children’s card, or ability to obtain one prior to commencement in role
• Evidence of cross cultural awareness

Desirable

• Ability to be self-aware and seek appropriate support when required during difficult times
• Good understanding of AFL Football in the Northern Territory
• Experience in remote Indigenous communities

AFL Values

Play to Win

We rise to every challenge and do what we say we will do – we own the outcome. We thrive on pushing the boundaries beyond what we have done before to achieve the extraordinary for our people, fans, partners and the community.

Play Fair

Respect, integrity, honesty, empathy and a great work ethic earns us the right to play.

Play with Passion

We love what we do. Passion, energy, fun and perseverance is at the heart of our sport and is what drives how we work.   

Play as One Team

We work as one team because together we achieve better outcomes. We bring out the best in each other by embracing our diverse range of ideas, skills and backgrounds to achieve individual and shared success. We celebrate our wins and always have each other’s back. 

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

Applications Close:  16 February 2025