Chief Executive Officer

About AFL Barwon AFL Barwon is the regional governing body for community football and netball across the Barwon region. We oversee multiple leagues and competitions, including the Geelong Football Netball League, Bellarine FNL, Colac & District FNL, AFL Barwon Female Football, All Abilities, Juniors and midweek netball. We partner with clubs, leagues, players, volunteers and the wider community to ensure our competitions are inclusive, sustainable and well‑governed. Our purpose is to support the passion of our stakeholders through professional leadership and governance, delivering a thriving sporting community. Our values guide everything we do: Transparent & Fair, Accessible & Inclusive, Collaborative, Strong & Courageous, Progressive & Proactive. The Opportunity AFL Barwon is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into the future. Reporting directly to the Commission, the CEO will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence and advocacy across football and netball in the Barwon region. This is a newly created and high‑profile role, requiring someone who can drive organisational performance, strengthen community engagement, foster a positive culture and champion inclusion and wellbeing in community sport. Key Responsibilities Lead the implementation of AFL Barwon's strategic plan and operational priorities. Oversee football and netball competitions, ensuring integrity, compliance and continuous improvement. Build and maintain strong relationships with clubs, leagues, volunteers and stakeholders. Drive financial sustainability through partnerships, sponsorships, grants and fundraising. Act as a credible and visible ambassador for AFL Barwon, promoting the organisation's purpose, values and reputation. Advocate for community sport at local, regional and state levels. Lead, develop and inspire a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and resilience. Promote health, safety and wellbeing across all AFL Barwon programs and operations. About You Proven senior executive leadership experience, ideally in sport, community, or not‑for‑profit sectors. Passionate about community sport, inclusion and participation. Strong operational, strategic and financial management skills. Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship‑building capabilities. Sound understanding of governance, risk, compliance and ethical decision‑making. Outstanding communication, negotiation and presentation skills. Commitment to child safety and wellbeing, with knowledge of Victorian Child Safe Standards. Flexible to work evenings and weekends as required. Why AFL Barwon? This is your chance to lead one of Victoria's most vibrant community sporting organisations, delivering meaningful impact for players, clubs, volunteers and the wider community. You will be supported by a dedicated Commission and an experienced team in a role where your leadership will shape the future of football and netball in the Barwon region. Remuneration and Employment Arrangements (Flexible) The role is expected to commence in January The total remuneration package for this full‑time role is approximately $150,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation), plus the use of a motor vehicle. While the role is full‑time and a budget is in place, AFL Barwon welcomes discussions with experienced leaders about how the role and package could be structured to suit the right candidate who can help shape the future of the organisation. For a confidential discussion, please contact Pip Jankowski on. Further Information For further information and to access the Position Description, please visit AFL Barwon's Careers With Us page. Apply Now Please send your application to Pip Jankowski at Applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Applications close at 3pm on Tuesday 25th November. AFL Barwon is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate, contribute and thrive. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences and abilities, reflecting the values and communities we serve through football and netball in the Barwon region. All applications and enquiries must be submitted through the advertised application process. Please note that applications received outside of the advertised application process will not be considered or responded to. Please do not contact AFL Barwon directly. Direct approaches or unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies or third‑party recruiters will not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr