Joining the Hawthorn Football Club represents a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced, elite sporting environment where you can be yourself and thrive. 

Our strategic priorities guide the Club to deliver long-term objectives to continually grow, innovate, and achieve on-field success. We’re excited to have recently relocated to our new, state-of-the-art home - the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley - providing world-class facilities for our people and programs. 

We are committed to creating a supportive environment in which people feel connected to our football club and to each other. Importantly, we want to have fun! 

About the role 

As part of our wellbeing team, the PDMs are responsible for delivering the elite player engagement and wellbeing program. The program is designed to empower our AFL players to excel off the field, helping them reach their full potential on the field, enjoy their time at the club, and live fulfilling lives beyond their football careers. 

Key PDM Responsibilities include: 

• Provide guidance and support for players on wellbeing related issues in a professional and confidential manner. 
• Help players develop time, social, and self-management skills with the view to be resilient, resourceful, and independent individuals 
• Support regular communication and collaboration with the AFL and AFLPA on key operational initiatives 
• Oversee the relocation and living arrangements of new players 
• Liaise closely with HFC and AFLPA Psychologists on player wellbeing 
• Assist players to identify goals and pursue off-field interests through study, work, work experience, volunteering. Utilise club & industry resources, including education grants. 
• Plan and implement the Player Development program which proactively develops core skills and attributes, and addresses career development and educational needs. 
• Maintain relationships with parents, partners and families through induction and in-season activities/gatherings/game day proceedings 
• Manage the transition of players entering and exiting the program 
• Manage match day player welfare as required, including communicating with family members regarding player injuries 
• Support the delivery of other club-based programs eg. Player Partner & Family support, Employer & Host Family networks, player induction, assisting players with their transition in and out of the club 

The successful candidate: 

The ideal candidate will be an approachable leader with a proven ability to utilise their strong relationship building skills and knowledge of an elite sporting environment, to achieve program outcomes with a diverse group of players. 

You will have: 

• Proven ability to nurture and develop people of all levels 
• Understanding of on-field and off-field requirements of athletes 
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information 
• Desire to collaborate and work as part of a team 
• Tertiary qualification in education, health science, behavioural, social science, or psychology field 
• Completion of AFLPA Executive Certificate in Player Development (required within 12 months of appointment) 
• Ability to work within an elite sport environment (ie weekends, nights and interstate travel required for games) 
• Current Victorian Employee Working with Children Check 

Applications will close 12th of January 2026 with interviews commencing that week.  

Please email your applications to Sally McNeilly - Executive GM People, Culture & Community at sallym@hawthornfc.com.au 

Our offer to you 

As a Hawthorn Football Club employee, you will work in a supportive, values driven and harmonious team. You will be challenged and provided with opportunities to learn new things, grow, and develop. Our initiatives which drive wellbeing, connection and performance include: 

• Access to gym facilities 
• Special offers and discounts through our Corporate Partners 
• Professional development opportunities – inhouse and external 
• One Club memberships to enjoy games with your family and friends 

The Hawthorn Football Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and diverse candidates. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of the Australian community and encourages applicants from the following backgrounds to apply: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
• Culturally and linguistically diverse 
• LGBTIQ+ 
• People with a disability 
• People who live in rural and regional locations 

We provide a welcoming, safe, and flexible approach to work and provide an environment that benefits from and enables the best from everyone. 

As an organisation we are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. It is essential that anyone involved with the Hawthorn Football Club understands their responsibility in relation to child safety. Our organisation requires all applicants to obtain a ‘Working with Children Check’ prior to appointment.