Apply via seek link https://www.seek.com.au/job/90974376?ref=cm-ui
 
About us
 
The Hawthorn Football Club has an opportunity for an Indigenous Player Development Manager to advocate, facilitate, support, and embed the holistic development all Indigenous listed players.
 
Our Club’s values and One Club philosophy across our men’s and women’s football programs ensure that inclusion and diversity are at the core of everything we do. You’ll be part of an environment committed to excellence, supported by a culture that prioritizes wellbeing and work/family balance.
 
Our strategic priorities guide us toward long‑term growth, innovation and sustained on‑field success. We are proud to have now relocated to our new state‑of‑the‑art home, the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley—an exciting milestone that marks the next chapter for our Club.
 
The Hawthorn Football Club considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Equal Opportunity Act s 26(3). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.
 
About the role
 
Reporting to the Executive GM, People, Culture & Community, and working as part of the Player Development Team, the Indigenous Player Development Manager will provide tailored support to Indigenous players in their off‑field development. This includes helping to advance their educational, vocational, health and wellbeing goals.
 
The role is central to strengthening the Club’s cultural safety by elevating Indigenous voices in decision‑making, partnering with key stakeholders to implement culturally appropriate support systems, and contributing to practices that build cultural awareness across the wider Club community.
 
This position may be offered on a full‑time or part‑time basis, with a minimum commitment of three days per week and the requirement to be available for game days.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Holistic Development for all Indigenous Players:
  • Implement individual development and wellbeing plans
  • Facilitate and support engagement in educational, vocational, personal or career development activities
Strategy
  • Develop and implement a player development and wellbeing strategy that aligns to the AFL Industry Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
  • Educate all players on cultural safety and issues affecting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Contribute to broader Club cultural education and awareness to increase the profile of Indigenous culture in all club activities
  • Contribute to the practices, policies, and programs that promote an inclusive and culturally safe environment
Relationships
  • Effectively engage with multidisciplinary providers and stakeholders to deliver on Indigenous Player needs
  • Work with past players to ensure positive and ongoing relationships with the Club
  • Establish strong relationships with the AFL to enhance the understanding of the cultural needs of each player to develop capabilities

The Successful Candidate 

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples and can communicate sensitively and effectively.

You will embody cultural competence and have a deep understanding and respect for Aboriginal and/ or Torres strait Islander cultures with the ability to identify and respond to the holistic needs of Indigenous peoples.
 
You have experience working within a social work, welfare, or community services/ development space, and understand diversity and inclusion principles. Will have a high sense of integrity and are a trustworthy and reliable person with experience developing and implementing culturally competent practices for workplaces or teams.
 
Suitable candidates are required to:
  • Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
  • Have completed or is completing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Training (or be open to the Cub supporting you to complete)
  • Have completed or is completing the AFLPA Executive Certificate in Player Development (or be open to the Cub supporting you to complete)
  • Have completed or is completing a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health care, education support, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), education, behavioural/ social science, psychology or related field
Please submit your application including your resume and cover letter by Wednesday 1st April 2026 to recruitment@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:
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.