State Coaching and Umpiring Manager - NSW/ACT

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

The State Coaching and Umpiring Manager, NSW/ACT will help make Australian Rules Football more accessible by strengthening the programs and pathways that support coaches and umpires across the state.

Based in Sydney, you will provide strategic leadership and operational direction across coaching and umpiring within AFL NSW/ACT networks.

You will lead the development and delivery of state strategies aligned with national frameworks and participation and performance objectives.

Reporting to the Growth and Experiences Manager NSW/ACT, you will lead a team focused on coach and umpire education, recruitment, retention and development, while building an inclusive, high-performing culture grounded in continual improvement, integrity and innovation.

What you’ll own

You will lead the growth, development and performance of coaching and umpiring across NSW/ACT, bringing together people, programs and partners to deliver sustainable outcomes for the game.

You’ll add value through:

- Developing and leading the AFL NSW/ACT Coaching and Umpiring Growth Strategy in alignment with the National Framework

- Creating and delivering initiatives that grow coach and umpire participation through recruitment, retention and transition campaigns across NSW/ACT

- Developing and implementing an AFL Sydney Umpiring and Coaching Strategy that supports the strategic direction of AFL Sydney competitions

- Leading, supporting and developing the coaching and umpiring team to deliver high-quality programs and outcomes

- Building strong relationships with clubs, leagues, associations, delivery partners, governing bodies and internal stakeholders

- Expanding and aligning talent programs and pathways so more coaches and umpires can progress and perform

- Creating accessible, high-quality education, development and accreditation opportunities for coaches and umpires

- Increasing diversity within coaching and umpiring through inclusive and targeted initiatives

- Monitoring and evaluating programs, maintaining performance records and meeting reporting requirements

- Managing AFL NSW/ACT coaching and umpiring budgets with sound financial accountability

- Supporting media, marketing and storytelling activity that promotes coaching and umpiring and celebrates their impact across the game

- Using technology and AI to improve efficiency, effectiveness and innovation

What you’ll bring

- At least five years’ experience in umpiring, coaching or a comparable high-performance sporting environment, with demonstrated impact in program development and delivery

- Strategic understanding of contemporary trends, practices and issues that support growth in coaching and/or umpiring

- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, translate plans into action and deliver measurable outcomes

- Leadership experience, including the ability to develop teams and create positive learning environments for staff and volunteers

- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility, collaborate, influence and facilitate outcomes

- Sound financial management experience and a clear approach to accountability

- Strong negotiation, research and analytical capability, supported by practical and innovative problem-solving

- The judgement and adaptability to remain effective as priorities, responsibilities and stakeholder needs change

- Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to connect with varied internal and external audiences

- A commitment to continual improvement, integrity, inclusion and doing what is right for the game and its people

- Willingness to work outside normal business hours from time to time, including evenings and weekends

- An understanding of contemporary community sport and development trends, processes and issues will be highly regarded

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 and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Ready to play your part?

Applications close 19 October 2026