About the SMJFL:

The South Metro Junior Football League is the largest independent junior football league in Australia. With over 460 teams, approximately 10,500 participants, 25 member clubs and more than 1,000 umpires under management, we play a significant role in the development of junior sport across South Metro Melbourne. We're a progressive, supportive workplace with a genuine focus on employee wellbeing and grassroots footy.

About the Role:

The primary objective of the Club Development and Community Lead is to strengthen and support member clubs through the delivery of community, participation and club development initiatives that enhance the experience of participants across the league. Working closely with clubs and key stakeholders, the role supports the achievement of strategic priorities, builds organisational capability and contributes to a strong and sustainable football community.

The position plays a key role in fostering safe, inclusive and welcoming environments while leading programs and initiatives that promote participation, diversity, volunteer engagement and community connection. It also serves as an important link between the league, its clubs and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication, collaboration and implementation of key initiatives.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, the role contributes to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and operational delivery. Through leadership of community-focused programs and club support services, the position helps ensure member clubs are well-equipped to meet challenges, embrace opportunities and thrive both on and off the field.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Act as the SMJFL's Child Safety Officer by educating all Member Clubs on the importance of Child Safety, alongside ensuring all Clubs are compliant with Working with Children Checks and abide by to any other key Child Safety documents.
• Assisting SMJFL Member Clubs with Club Development related questions and resources (Club Meetings, Creation of Club Resources, Club Engagement, etc.), with Club Health reporting back to the CEO.
• Alongside the CEO, manage the relationship between the SMJFL and AFL Victoria. This includes the development and delivery of the creation and delivery of AFL VIC initiatives. Also responsible for the delivery of the AFL Victoria Club Development KPI's, which unlocks funding for the league.
• Lead the SMJFL's Community and Facilities Sub-Committee by regularly reporting on the Community Pillar and the Facility pillar. Implementation of the two Pillars throughout the season/off-season.
• Main point of contact for PlayHQ profile queries, including but not limited to profile mergers and information edits.
• Assist SMJFL member clubs implement the AFL's coaching framework and inform club committees on their current coaching accreditation status.
• Educate and assist SMJFL Member Clubs with grants and other funding avenues that may assist Clubs.
• Lead the implementation of the SMJFL's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
• Develop and send out weekly EDM (Club Connect), providing Member Clubs with the key information from the week.
• Alongside the CEO, work through Participant Refunds Applications and Financial Relief Applications.
• Lead the implementation of the SMJFL's Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, with regular reports to the COMFAC Sub-Committee.
• Support and guide Clubs on facility-related issues or other matters involving local government, with regular reporting back to the COMFAC Sub-Committee.
• Main point of contact in assisting member clubs with the AFL Victoria's Women & Girls Charter.
• Responsible for collating and distributing the SMJFL's annual End of Season survey.
• Assisting other SMJFL departments as required, specifically during busy periods such as finals, end of season events, etc.
• Develop and Implement the Volunteer Resources Working Party.

What We're Looking For:

Technical Competencies:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or experience in relevant field (desired)
• Demonstrated organisational skills including the ability to set priorities, manage time and plan work to meet deadlines
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build and manage professional relationships
• High level computer skills
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent people, systems and program management skills

Personal attributes:

• Passionate about sport and football in particular (ideal)
• Understanding of junior and community sport
• Proactive
• Approachable and engaging
• Determined and results driven
• Patient and diplomatic
• Team orientated
• Pro-active problem solver

Other Requirements:

Applicants must hold or be willing to obtain a Working with Children Check, a Play by the Rules Child Protection and Safeguarding Course Certification, and a current First Aid/CPR certification.

Some after-hours and weekend work is required across the football season but is balanced within your usual working hours.

Candidates must have Australian work rights and be eligible to work in Australia without sponsorship.