ABOUT THE ROLE The Coates Talent League is an integral and unique part of the AFL’s landscape – the League’s primary purpose is to develop, support and enable the most talented young athletes in the region to meet their football potential.   The Regional Talent Operations Lead is responsible for the operations of our talent programs in a well-balanced high-performance environment which includes playing a central role in setting, driving, and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive development program culture.   A key objective of the role is to ensure the talent player pathway program is managed and administered in an equitable, efficient, and professional manner for all those directly involved and in partnership with key stakeholders such as Parents, Players, Community clubs, Schools, Junior Football Leagues, AFL clubs, Councils, Vic Metro staff and the AFL National Talent team.   The Regional Talent Operations Lead will also plan, manage, and lead a talented player pathway program that supports the development and progression of well prepared (physically, emotionally, socially) young athletes ready for AFL and AFLW football, as well as those players that transition into State League and/or community football competitions after their talent pathway experience. Outside of training and match days, the role allows for flexibility in terms of location and time.   A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Key Accountabilities:

• Lead, set and maintain a positive, safe and inclusive culture within the program
• Lead the administration and operation of the regions’ football program including all events and functions, on-field and off-field apparel, player data and registration, match day management and the related logistics
• Accountable for ensuring all training timetables are up to date and venues are booked with football, medical and high-performance equipment ready for each session
• Facility management, including office accommodation, venue management and game day operations with due consideration of equity and integration
• Work with Wellbeing Coordinators to ensure players are well supported during their time in the program
• Responsible for implementing the various education programs including those relating to the AFL and Government programs when applicable
• Work with Vic Talent Manager – Metro to manage the program budget including local sponsorship revenue, player levies and all expenditure 
• Manage region staff so that the recruitment, induction, retention, and performance of staff all contribute positively to the conduct of the region talent program
• Create strong community links alongside the coaching staff working with local Councils, clubs, leagues and schools
• Liaising with different stakeholders including AFL/AFLW Recruiters, State Academy programs, the Diversity talent team and local community football leagues and schools
• Work with AFL's Media team to coordinate the regions media requests, website and social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) as well as local paper, TV and radio requests with safeguarding of young people front of mind
• Continually plan, review, and aim to improve program by sharing ideas with other regions and striving for best practice
• Develop and maintain productive and positive relationships with stakeholders so that the talent program objectives can be achieved

  OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER Core Competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in managing key stakeholder relationships
• Highly developed verbal and written communication, with the ability to engage and negotiate with diverse groups
• Experience in working in talented athlete programs or a sound understanding of the development of talented youth athletes
• Experience in the management of budgets
• Degree or equivalent related experience in the fields: teaching, sports management or business
• Demonstrated personal initiative and ability to work effectively in a team environment and a strong sense of collaboration
• Strong technical and digital skills

  Desirable:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the AFL’s talent programs and regional structure
• Sponsorship, marketing or sales experience 
• Sound knowledge of the football industry
• Experience in facility management and local Council relations
• Experience in working with key stakeholders in a football environment
• Experience in the talent identification of players or managing people who can complete this on behalf of the region
• Experience working with diverse participants and an understanding of the profile of Oakleigh Chargers region