In this role, the Club invites applications from individuals with relevant experience, ranging from Head of AFLW to Executive General Manager AFLW level. The specific level of the role will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and how their expertise aligns with the program's needs.

The range of responsibilities this pivotal leadership role will likely encompass includes the strategic direction, performance, and development of the AFLW program. The AFLW Program Leader will oversee coaching, list management, recruitment, football operations, player wellbeing, medical and high performance and financial resource allocation while driving a high-performance culture aligned with the Club’s values. This includes fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning, ensuring player and staff development, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. Additionally, the role involves managing compliance, risk, and communication, while acting as the senior management liaison between the AFLW department, Club executive, and Board.

Careers at the St Kilda Football Club represent a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic culture, where we recognise every individual impacts team success. It’s a place where we lift, support, and challenge each other to find the next level.  We understand who we represent, and the privileged position we hold as custodians of a football club built on more than 150 years of history.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Key Responsibility Areas:

On-Field Success

• Facilitate an environment that allows the Senior Coach and coaching staff to perform their roles at an exceptional level.
• Facilitate the ongoing growth of the Senior Coach and coaching staff, ensuring development initiatives lead to tangible improvements in game plans and player performance.
• Align coaching staff with best practices, providing guidance, resources, and support for their professional development.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of players and coaching staff, ensuring alignment with the Club's football strategy and on-field objectives.
• Focus on the well-being and performance of the coaching team.

Strategic Planning and Program Performance Management

• Lead the Football Department’s Annual Strategic Planning and ensure alignment with KPIs.
• Monitor and report on KPI progress to the CEO and Board, identifying areas for improvement.
• Drive continuous performance improvement, innovation, and alignment across the department.

List Management and Recruitment

• Develop and manage strategies for player acquisition, development, and retention as part of the List Management Committee.
• Oversee key player contract negotiations and the recruitment process.
• Position the Club as a preferred destination for top talent.
• Ensure a sustainable playing list through effective draft and trade decisions.

Financial and Resource Management

• Oversee the Football Department’s operating budget, soft cap, and Total Player Payments.
• Allocate resources effectively to support player performance and team success.
• Ensure financial decisions align with strategic goals and AFL regulatory requirements.

Leadership and High-Performance Culture

• Foster a high-performance culture through accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning, aligned with the Club’s values.
• Lead and develop staff to drive professional growth, ensuring clear goals, KPIs, and development plans are in place.
• Encourage a feedback-driven culture that prioritises continuous improvement and performance excellence.
• Build and maintain a psychologically safe environment that supports open communication, trust, and mental well-being for staff and players.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, media, AFL, and player managers.

Commercial and Media Relations

• Represent the Club in commercial, government, and community partnerships.
• Work with the Media & Communications team to positively position the AFLW Department.
• Act as a key spokesperson for the Club in media communications, including crisis management and media inquiries, ensuring consistent and strategic messaging.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with AFL and AFLPA rules and regulations, including the CBA.
• Identify and manage potential risks, proactively communicating and mitigating them, including timely reporting to the Club’s Integrity Committee.

Club Communication and Relationships

• Act as the senior management liaison between the AFLW Department, Club Executive, and Board.
• Meet regularly with senior Administration leadership to ensure strategy execution and monitor departmental performance in off-field areas.
• Foster strong communication across all levels of the Club, promoting a One Club culture.

High-Performance and Injury Management

• Create an environment that empowers specialists in high performance, medical intervention, injury prevention, and rehabilitation to improve program performance.
• Ensure injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies optimize player availability and performance.

ABOUT YOU

• Exceptional football knowledge, coupled with a strategic mindset to provide timely and clear advice to executive teams.
• Demonstrated capacity to guide, mentor, and develop others, fostering growth, excellence, and collaboration within teams.
• A strong personal brand, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and commitment to upholding club values. 

WHAT YOU NEED

• At least 3 years management experience in high-performance sports administration or related business environments, with a proven track record of success.
• Strong commercial acumen, including expertise in financial management, risk management, strategic planning, and operational budgeting.
• Tertiary qualifications in management, business, sports administration or a related field
• In-depth experience working with high-performance athletes, coaches, and specialists, with a strong understanding of the unique challenges they face.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to influence and facilitate behavioural change, manage complex teams, and drive high performance in fast-paced environments.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with significant experience in public speaking, media relations, and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
• Strong ability to develop and implement elite sports programs or frameworks, ideally within the AFL industry (but not essential).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Fantastic culture of grounded and best in class people, passionate about what they do
• On site Linton Street café
• Free access to Aquatics Facilities at our Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing
• Free parking onsite & state of the art gym access
• Discounted Saints memberships and merchandise
• Up to 40% discount on selected New Balance products
• Incredibly generous discounts on Westinghouse products
• Amazing discounts from our friends at Loewe televisions and coffee machines
• Saints-only Linen House product pricing
• Discounted movie tickets through Hoyts

Please keep reading...

Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised folks tend to only apply when they check every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point above, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.