Description:
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
Manage the strategic media priorities of the AFL's national community football initiatives and media operations, including being the point media contact for community football in Victoria. You will manage a high performing, agile and passionate team located in AFL offices across the country.
The leadership element is crucial, ensuring the the state media and communications officers from NSW / ACT, QLD, TAS, NT and VIC are delivering on the promotion of local programs, initiatives and projects and ensuring those projects are aligned with the AFL national strategy.
With the AFL Commission enshiring 10% of all football revenue to invest in expanding participation to one million people by 2033, this is a vital role.
The position will work closely with GM Corporate Affairs, EGM Corporate Affairs and EGM Game Development on strategic communications projects regarding community football inititaives.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
Key Accountabilities:
- Leading the community football media agenda, working closely with the Executive General Manager of Game Development, GM Game Development, the State leader / ‘Heads of’ each state
- Overall media management for community football in VIC
- Drive the agenda for local football, across womens and mens, girls and boys, ensuring that the AFL and AFLW game is leading the way at a game development and community level, including but not limited to Auskick, Superkick, AFL Play, AFL Nines, talent pathways, junior and senior compeitions.
- Provide day to day leadership and management of the Media Managers in AFL NSW / ACT, QLD, TAS, NT and QLD .
- Contribute to key projects within and outside of core role
- Provide overall leadership to the broader corporate affairs team
- Provide crisis communications support as required
- Support and contribute to the success of the broader team
Key relationships
Internal Stakeholders:
- AFL Game Development team nationally, including key regional managers
- AFL Head of Victoria, Head of QLD, Head of NSW, Head of TAS, Head of NT
- AFL Publicist Game Development
- AFL GM’s as required
External Stakeholders
- Senior AFL journalists, commentators and editors
- Major newsrooms nationally
- AFL Club Media and communication teams
- AFL Clubs in local markets
- SANFL, WAFL
OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER
Requirements:
- Extensive leadership experience and proven experience in leading a national team
- Sound knowledge and experience of news and editorial management
- Strong understanding of the content requirements for news media, digital media engagement strategies
- Ability to manage/maintain partnerships with multiple key stakeholders
- Knowledge and experience of managing media / broadcast relationships
- Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plan
- Keen understanding of public affairs and sport
- Effective project management skills, including managing competing deadlines
- Proven record of building audience and engagement through multiple media channels
Core Competencies:
- Exceptional ability to identify issues and threats and lead a response
- Ability to identify and manage reputational challenges and capability to provide a planned response to dealing with them
- Exceptional writing and presentation skills, experience in writing for a variety of audiences
- Strong understanding of media channels and news cycle
- Ability to work in a dynamic direct and indirect team, and resilience in a high pressure and issues rich environment.
- Effective project management skills, including managing competing deadlines
- Communication, journalism or other relevant qualification regarded as a positive.
- Demonstrated capacity to work in a complex stakeholder environment.
- Understanding of brand risks and issues and reputation management
- Understanding of football industry, and Club commercial operations, player contracts and promotional demands.
- Understanding of building audience and engagement through multiple media channels, including Facebook, twitter, Instagram and emerging online communications.
OUR CULTURE
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: 17 February 2025