Top End Youth Academy Manager

Join to apply for the Top End Youth Academy Manager role at AFL - Australian Football League . About Us As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game. The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. We undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, including ensuring the successful candidate holds a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. About The Role The Top End Youth Academy is focused on providing a high quality, comprehensive development program to boys and girls across the Top End aged 10-15. They will oversee all operations of the Academy across the region and ensure that its operations align with the vision of having highly skilled and capable youth entering the U16 and U18 NT Talent Program. The position is responsible for creating and managing an environment that will enable the most talented young footballers (aged 10-15) across the Top End to meet their football potential through the provision of a comprehensive development program. The players wellbeing and off‑field development will also be a key focus of the role. A key component is to manage stakeholder relationships with Parents, Players, Community clubs, Schools and other internal stakeholders. This is a 21‑month max‑term position ending January 2028. We will be closed for our annual closure period from December 22, 2025, returning January 12, 2026. During this period, applications will not be responded to. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF In conjunction with the Academy Coach, design, develop and implement programs for players, coaches, conditioning, medical and regional areas across the NT Create a professional, high performance, supportive environment for players, coaches & staff Manage the operations of the Top End Youth Academy including travel, player databases, venue bookings and logistics Monitor the program budget Organisation and implementation of various player education programs Manage all communication with players, players parents and wellbeing support Support and contribute to the success of the broader team Drive strong relationships with NTFL Clubs Drive our equity and diversity goals to provide opportunities for all of our aspirant players Support the Head Coach in the delivery of the program, including at times through program delivery /support coaching Manage all program reporting, conduct program reviews and ensure that delivery requirements outlined by program funding partners are delivered upon Manage the engagement of third parties in program delivery, including assistant coaches Provide overall program leadership including the direct management of the Head Coach Work with the NT Talent team to ensure players are well supported during their time in the program Provide educational opportunities with the Wellbeing team to help build mental health skills of the Academy players Other duties as requested from time to time including providing general support and contributing to the success of the broader AFL NT team OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER Mandatory Exceptional operational, organisational, communication and inter‑personal skills Experience in leading and managing a team Experience in working in talented athlete programs Well developed IT skills Passionate about the individual development of talented players Experience in working with the development of young people Strong cross cultural skills including experience working with Indigenous youth Demonstrated personal initiative and ability to work effectively in a team environment Sound background and knowledge of coaching principles Must be able to commit to working nights and some weekends Exposure to talented player programs as well as a strong understanding and knowledge of talented footballer identification and development theories and practice Capacity to develop and sustain productive relationships with all stakeholders, particularly with other talent pathway coaches and operational leads, high performance & medical staff, players, their parents and schools Current Driver License and a current Working with Children Check Desired Demonstrated knowledge of AFL Talent programs Experience in working with the key stakeholders in AFL Football Knowledge of the football structure in the region Experience in Talent ID or managing people who can assist with Talent ID AFL Silver Coach Accreditation (previously Level 2) or working towards an AFL Coaching accreditation OUR CULTURE Please visit THE PERKS Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on‑the‑job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts Applications Close: 19 January 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr