Central Australia Operations and Partnerships Manager

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 across the country through football.

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

Help deliver the AFLNT Central Australia Strategic Plan and strengthen football’s impact across the region.

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Operations and Strategic Partnerships NT, you will oversee business operations and support Indigenous programs across Central Australia. The role brings together facility development, major events, strategic partnerships and community-focused programs, working closely with internal specialists and local organisations.

You will also lead two Remote Programs Football Development Leads and travel to remote, very remote and regional communities to support engagement, program delivery and staff development.

What you’ll own

You will connect people, partnerships and operations to deliver sustainable outcomes for football and communities throughout Central Australia.

You’ll add value through:

• Building productive relationships with government agencies, Land Councils, Regional Councils, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, AFL Next Generation Academy clubs and other partners

• Identifying funding, partnership and resource-sharing opportunities that support the AFLNT Game Plan and Central Australia strategy

• Planning and progressing community football facilities, including regional facility audits and future infrastructure priorities

• Supporting Central Australian football leagues with oval bookings, match-day preparation and other business operations

• Contributing to the delivery of AFL games and other high-profile football events in Central Australia

• Supporting Indigenous Programs teams to develop locally relevant work plans aligned with agreed measures and community outcomes

• Helping deliver safe, inclusive and engaging programs that grow First Nations participation and contribute to healthy, safe communities

• Providing clear program and participation updates to colleagues, partners and local networks

• Supporting progress reports, financial acquittals and partner feedback processes

• Ensuring program vehicles, equipment and resources are current, maintained and managed effectively

• Supporting the wellbeing and development of team members working across remote and regional locations

• Travelling throughout Central Australia to engage communities, gather feedback and support program design, events and staff development

What you’ll bring

• Three to four years’ relevant experience within the sport and recreation sector

• Experience in venue, event or sports management, or an equivalent field

• Demonstrated experience managing government and stakeholder relationships

• The ability to lead outcomes through influence and work collaboratively with specialists and stakeholders

• Sound judgement, initiative and the ability to manage competing priorities with limited supervision

• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• The ability to coordinate multiple projects and deliver against tight deadlines

• Experience maintaining professionalism and making considered decisions in high-pressure environments

• The flexibility to work within a 24/7 operating environment

• The ability to work collaboratively across broad teams to deliver events and shared outcomes

• The ability to hold a liquor licence for venues managed by AFLNT

• Cultural capability and experience working respectfully with First Nations peoples, organisations and communities will be highly regarded, as will knowledge of Central Australia and experience supporting teams in remote environments

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 win, 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 a culture of belonging and 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.

Whether you’re a footy fan or new to our game, we welcome everyone to apply. We know great candidates don’t always tick every box – if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.

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/Ochre Card and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Ready to play your part?

Applications close 4 December 2026