Indigenous Talent Programs Lead

About the role

The AFL is looking for an Indigenous Talent Programs Lead to lead the national Indigenous talent pathway programs and strengthen talent outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in football. The role reports to the Diversity Talent Programs Manager. Identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is considered a genuine occupational requirement under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the National Indigenous Talent Programs, including the Flying Boomerangs and Woomeras tournaments, the AFL and AFLW Indigenous Academies and the Indigenous Futures Program.
• Oversee program implementation, including appointing coaches, high performance staff and consultants, and the program curriculum.
• Facilitate personal development and cultural education sessions across the diversity programs.
• Maintain data on player transition and retention with all state talent pathway programs.
• Build relationships with Indigenous players, families, AFL clubs and state talent staff, and advocate for their identification, visibility and progression.
• Coordinate additional development opportunities and communicate with players, parents and stakeholders about the Indigenous agenda.
• Manage the AFL Indigenous Talent social media account and contribute to key projects and team success.

Required profile

• Recent experience leading football programs, large community-based sporting programs or other Indigenous programs focused on improving outcomes for Indigenous young people.
• Strong existing relationships with community groups and networks.
• Exposure to elite high-performance sporting environments and state-based community football programs.
• Preferred: knowledge of how AFL and AFLW clubs work and the national talent pathway network.
• A valid Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Required skills

• High level of cultural competence and ability to create inclusive, culturally safe environments.
• Planning and organisation, and the ability to work across many tasks and people.
• Ability to present, influence and build rapport with support staff and young participants.
• Accuracy and professionalism in communication, logistics, reporting and program delivery.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements, including Play The Day Your Way.
• Coaching, mentoring, on-the-job learning and formal development.
• Health and wellbeing programme and partner offers and discounts.
• Silver memberships for permanent team members at Marvel Stadium and the MCG.
• 6 months paid primary parental leave with no qualification period for permanent team members.

Applications close 13 November 2026.