Description
Women’s football is moving fast. The competition is stronger. Standards are higher. The margin between good programs and great ones is getting smaller every season.
The Adelaide Football Club has been a leader in AFLW since the competition began. That leadership is grounded in our values, our football philosophy, and our belief that high performance is built through clarity, alignment and accountability, on and off the field.
The Executive General Manager AFLW is a critical member of the Club’s executive leadership team, with end‑to‑end responsibility for the strategic leadership, performance and growth of our AFLW program. This role carries the authority and mandate to shape the next phase of AFLW at AFC strengthening on‑field performance, building a connected and inclusive culture, and ensuring the program is fully integrated into the Club’s broader football and business strategy.
As the AFLW competition continues to mature, this role exists to lead deliberately: to align people, pathways and performance; to invest where it matters most; and to position the Adelaide Football Club for sustained success on and off the field.
We are seeking a senior leader who understands that high performance is built purposefully, over time; who can align people, culture and strategy; and who knows that progress at this level is never accidental.
The role
As Executive General Manager AFLW, you are accountable for the end to end leadership and delivery of the Club’s AFLW program. This includes performance, list strategy, culture, welfare and governance, all held together by a team first, whole of player development philosophy. The outcome is clear: consistent finals appearances and a genuine opportunity to win our next premiership. You are not inheriting a finished system. You are responsible for shaping one that lasts.
What you will lead
- You will provide executive leadership across all aspects of the AFLW program, including football operations, coaching, high performance, recruitment, medical, psychology and player development.
- You will set the strategic direction for the program and create the conditions for people to perform at their best, with clear standards, accountability and care.
- You will manage the AFLW soft cap and departmental budget, balancing ambition with sustainability and compliance.
- You will ensure strong governance and integrity across the program, meeting all AFLW rules, league policies and internal requirements.
- You will oversee the AFLW list management strategy, ensuring disciplined, future focused decision making across talent identification, recruitment, retention and top tier player contracts, aligned to list strategy and soft cap constraints.
- You will represent the AFLW program at executive, Board, AFL and industry levels, advancing its visibility, influence and position within the Club and across the competition.
How the role works
This role sits on the Club’s Executive Management Team and reports directly to the CEO.
You will provide regular updates to the Board and contribute to Club wide strategic planning. You will lead the AFLW Football Strategy Committee and maintain key relationships with AFL executives and senior leaders responsible for AFLW.
Your direct leadership group includes senior football leaders across list management and operations, high performance, player development, psychology and coaching.
This is a role that operates at both strategic and operational levels. It requires visibility, judgment and the ability to make clear decisions when the stakes are high.
What success looks like
Success is not defined by one season. It is a program that competes consistently, develops players as whole people without lowering performance standards, and builds genuine competitive advantage over time.
It is a culture where expectations are clear, accountability is normal, and wellbeing is protected because it underpins longevity and success. It is a program that remains a destination for AFLW talent, now and into the future.
About you
You are an experienced senior leader with deep expertise in elite sport, gained within AFLW, AFL or other comparable high performance sporting environments. You bring strong strategic and operational capability, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complexity.
You communicate with clarity, build trust quickly, and are comfortable operating in visible, high scrutiny roles. You can manage pressure, sensitive information and competing priorities with discretion and professionalism. Most importantly, you are motivated by sustained success, not short-term wins.
The practicalities
This role requires background checks, a current Australian driver’s licence, and adherence to AFL integrity requirements, including the prohibition on gambling on AFL matches or events. Out of hours work, including match days, is part of the role.
All employees are expected to demonstrate professional behaviours aligned to the Club’s values and Code of Conduct.
What’s on offer
- Ongoing professional development to build your skills and grow your career
- Additional ‘Crows’ leave days each year to help you recharge
- Access to our gym, pool, and yoga classes to support your wellbeing
- Flexible working hours to help you balance work and life
- Membership perks include tickets to AFL, AFLW, and SANFL games
- Exclusive discounts through our sponsors and partners
About us
Founded in 1990, the Adelaide Football Club has quickly become a cornerstone of South Australian football, combining a proud legacy with bold, forward-looking initiatives. At the heart of our Club is our people. We are a people-first organisation, and our success starts with who we engage. Our teams are supported with clearly defined roles, growth opportunities, and the resources to make a meaningful impact.
We are deeply committed to our community, building authentic, lasting partnerships and creating experiences that extend beyond the football field. Joining the Adelaide Football Club means contributing to a bold, ambitious, and passionate organisation that is making a lasting difference in football and across South Australia.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining why this role, and why now by Monday, 16 March, or contact Danielle Finnimore, EGM People & Culture, for a confidential conversation on 0421 012 626.
Other things to know
We make hiring decisions based on experience, skills and potential, as well as alignment with our values. If this role excites you but you don’t tick every box, we still encourage you to apply. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger and we warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.
The Club is committed to safeguarding children and young people in our care and creating a safe, supportive environment for all. Everyone who represents the Adelaide Football Club, regardless of role or level of responsibility, shares in this commitment. As part of this process, the successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a Working with Children Check.
Role Type
Permanent • Full-time • General Manager
Company Overview
Founded in 1990, the Adelaide Football Club has quickly become a cornerstone of South Australian football, combining a proud legacy with bold, forward-looking initiatives. At the heart of our Club is our people. We are a people-first organisation, and our success starts with who we engage. Our teams are supported with clearly defined roles, growth opportunities, and the resources to make a meaningful impact. We are deeply committed to our community, building authentic, lasting partnerships and creating experiences that extend beyond the football field. Joining the Adelaide Football Club means contributing to a bold, ambitious, and passionate organisation that is making a lasting difference in football and across South Australia.
