Employment Type: Full Time, Ongoing
Location: IKON Park, Carlton North, Victoria
About Us
The Carlton Football Club is one of Australia’s oldest and most prominent sport institutions. Founded in 1864, the Club’s headquarters and training facilities are located in Carlton at IKON Park, our traditional home ground.
Our IKON Park redevelopment is now complete, and we are proud of our state-of-the-art facilities that supports our high-performance environment. When the Club set about undertaking this historic work, it was based upon achieving facilities for women’s sport that would be the equal of their male counterparts. We are passionate about our contribution to the Community and foster an inclusive and welcoming culture where our values are at the core of who we are and what we do.
About the Role
The AFLW Player Development Manager is responsible for coordinating and managing an elite level off field development program to support, develop and guide AFLW players at the Carlton Football Club. This includes, but not limited to, the management of the wellbeing services as well as the organisation and management of the education and special interest programs for the playing group.
Reporting to the Head of Wellbeing, this role is a vital link for the athletes, supporting players through all facets of transition, professional development, relationships with key support networks, and holistic education. By prioritising life beyond football, the role enables players to perform at their best on the field. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be able to work well under pressure with tight timeframes and is to ensure a positive and supportive environment for all the players throughout their football careers at Carlton.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with the playing group, player families/partners and other key stakeholders.
- Liaise with key internal stakeholders regarding player welfare, subject to confidentiality issues.
- Assist and help players with day to day life management, with a view to encouraging practical
- self -sufficiency and independence.
- Identify situations requiring external support and access appropriate resources i.e. AFLPA psychology service managers.
- Act as the conduit between the player and external support for optimal player health and wellbeing.
- Attend AFLW/VFLW training and matches as required.
- Identify, support and assist with player educational and employment needs.
- Plan and implement a player development program which responds to individual needs and proactively develops core skills and attributes.
- Utilise AFLPA Player Development resources effectively.
- Ensure that each player’s needs are individually monitor and recorded at regular intervals.
- Lead the implementation of the first to third year player development program in
- consultation with Head of Wellbeing and Head of Development.
- Help and assist the players to identify and pursue personal interests and off-field experiences.
- Refer players to employers and the Carlton Football Club network who can offer flexible part-time/full-time work or work experience in areas of interest.
- Implement and manage a special interest program allowing players greater off-field enjoyment and opportunity.
- Manage the preparation and presentation of the parent induction and parents /partners events.
- Manage CFC induction program for new players, ensuring all new players are briefed on club expectations, routines, protocols, history and resources available.
- Assist with the relocation of interstate/international listed players.
- Assist players to review their options after delisting and assist with any follow-up action plan as required.
- Ensure that each player’s needs are individually reviewed at regular intervals.
Experience, Skills and Attributes
- Tertiary qualification in teaching, psychology, counseling, sports management or extensive experience in a related field.
- Strong understanding of AFL football and the physical, psychological, and lifestyle demands it places on elite athletes.
- Working knowledge of AFLPA development program services and the supports available to professional players.
- Sound understanding of the tertiary education and apprenticeship systems, including pathways that support dual career development.
- Demonstrated experience working with athletes in elite or high performance environments.
- Proven sensitivity to the diverse cultural, social, and individual needs of players, with the ability to provide inclusive and respectful support.
- Approachable, trustworthy, and empathetic, with a high level of emotional intelligence
- Able to guide and positively influence players through effective support, direction, and sound judgement
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of high performance sport environments and the expectations required to bring out the best in people, while balancing care and support
- Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary wellbeing and performance team, including close partnership with the AFLW Psychologist
- Builds strong, respectful relationships with players and key stakeholders to support holistic development and wellbeing.
- An elite team contributor who partners closely with key stakeholders to build high trust, high accountability relationships that support sustained performance.
Culture & Benefits
Carlton’s values shape how the Club operates and how our people work, connect and support one another. We are passionate about our culture and committed to creating a genuine sense of belonging. Our people are supported through flexible working, learning and development opportunities, and a range of benefits, including membership, café, retail and partnership discounts, while working in a world class sporting facility.
How to Apply
Please submit your application including your resume and cover letter to the Head of People, Culture and Inclusion via employment@carltonfc.com.ay by Friday 3 April 2026.
The Carlton Football Club is an equal opportunity employer and a place who welcomes all. We encourage people with diverse experiences and backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering a workplace environment which is inclusive, safe, and flexible. All applicants will be considered based on the relevance of their abilities to the role and their alignment with our Club Values.
The Carlton Football Club is committed to providing a welcoming environment where the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our programs, services, activities, events, and the broader community, will always be our first priority. All staff must hold (or be willing to obtain) a current Victorian Working With Children Check and valid Police Check as part of their employment with the Club.
