The Southern Football Netball League “SFNL” Club Development Lead “CDL” will work collaboratively with AFL Victoria and key SFNL stakeholders to help make it easier for SFNL clubs to have self-sustainable quality practices in place that lead to consistent quality experiences for people connected to local football. 

1. Provide widespread support & guidance to local clubs including, but not limited to:
   • Club culture, planning, strategy and governance
   • Volunteer recruitment, retention and recognition initiatives
   • Finances: Grants / fundraising opportunities, financial management
   • Quality safeguarding children practices
   • Strategies to reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents, vilification, discrimination, conflicts
   • Enhanced inclusivity – including recruitment & retention of more Women & Girls as well as engaging diverse groups within the local community
   • Education and resources available to assist clubs – including physical resources and on-line systems such as play.afl/clubhelp, PlayHQ etc.
   • Other quality environment initiatives introduced by the League, AFL and/or AFL Victoria e.g. Themed “Rounds” and focus areas such as - Mental Health, Critical Incidents, Crisis Management, Good Sports, TAC, Responsible Gambling, Anti-Violence
   • Coach Accreditation / Education
   • Growth of Club Umpire numbers
2. Targeted pro-active time / support for the most “in-need” clubs addressing one or more of the above elements - including face to face meetings with Club Committees. Priority clubs to be determined by the SFNL CEO in collaboration with AFL Victoria.
3. Regular collaboration with AFL Victoria and other Club Development Leads to share best practice and seek continuous improvement.

2026 KPIs will be set by the SFNL CEO in collaboration with AFL Victoria

Success will be realised through:

1. Targeted improvements realised by “in-need” clubs
2. Feedback from clubs and league CEO regarding the quality of assistance provided by the CDL
3. Meeting agreed communication & engagement targets – e.g. regular club updates, hosting relevant club development education sessions, media / social media, club visits / contact etc.
4. Ongoing reports to AFL Victoria regarding activity and insights to further support local clubs

Ideal skills / attributes

• Highly developed communication and presentation skills
• Stakeholder management – including the ability to build relationships and impact change
• Personal initiative and ability to work effectively unsupervised - whilst also being a team player
• Combined use of data and insights to influence decision making
• Willingness to undertake flexible working arrangements – some evenings / weekend work with TIL
• Experience in (or strong understanding of) volunteering in a community sport / NFP environment