Full-time | $80,000 + super | 2-year fixed term | Cairns 

HELP SHAPE THE NEXT CHAPTER OF A SUCCESSFUL CAIRNS FOOTBALL CLUB 

Since being established in 1993, Cairns Saints has developed an outstanding record within AFL Cairns. 

With 13 premierships since 1993, competitive senior men's and women's programs and strong junior development across its age groups, Saints has established a culture of football success. 

The opportunity now is to help strengthen the football programs, people and pathways that will underpin the next generation of Saints. 

AFL Cairns is seeking a Club Development Officer to be embedded within Cairns Saints, working alongside the Club President, committees, coaches and volunteers to develop football across the club. 

You will be employed by AFL Cairns, but your day-to-day focus will be Cairns Saints and its football programs. 

THE ROLE 

At its heart, this is a football role. 

You'll work across junior, women's and girls', and senior football to strengthen development, support coaches, grow participation and create clear pathways through the club. 

You'll work closely with the Club President, committees and football leaders to understand Saints' football priorities and help turn those priorities into action. 

Your focus will include: 

• Supporting the planning and delivery of football programs across the club 

• Strengthening junior player development and pathways into senior football 

• Growing women's and girls' football and participation 

• Supporting coach recruitment, development, accreditation and mentoring 

• Improving connections between junior and senior football 

• Supporting player development, welfare and transitions 

• Working alongside the President and committees on football planning and seasonal priorities 

• Recruiting, developing and supporting volunteers to help deliver football programs 

• Strengthening football operations, governance and club systems 

• Helping build sustainable football programs that support continued success 

PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER 

This position forms part of a new AFL Cairns initiative providing dedicated full-time football resources within our senior clubs. 

Our aim is to strengthen football at club level by investing in people who can grow participation, develop players and coaches, build pathways and support the volunteers and committees who deliver our game. 

While you'll be employed by AFL Cairns, you'll be embedded within the club and work closely with its President and committees. 

You'll also be connected to AFL Cairns' broader football and development network, providing professional support, resources and opportunities to collaborate across the competition. 

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR 

We're looking for a football person who is also a people person. 

Saints has a strong football identity and history of success. We want someone who respects what has been built but is excited about developing the next generation of players, coaches and programs. 

You'll need to build relationships, understand football and work collaboratively with the President, committees and football leaders to make things happen. 

Ideally, you'll bring: 

• Strong knowledge of community football and AFL development pathways 

• Experience in coaching, football development, sports administration or community sport 

• An understanding of junior development and player pathways 

• An ability to develop, mentor and support coaches 

• A commitment to growing women's and girls' football 

• Strong football planning and organisational capability 

• An ability to work collaboratively with Club Presidents and committees 

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills 

• Experience working with and supporting volunteers 

• Initiative and an ability to turn football plans into action 

• A commitment to AFL Cairns' values of Community, Professionalism and Integrity 

• A valid Blue Card 

WHAT WE OFFER 

• Full-time position 

• $80,000 per annum plus superannuation 

• 2-year fixed-term contract 

• Employed by AFL Cairns and embedded within the club 

• Close working relationship with the Club President and committees 

• Professional payroll, HR and onboarding support through Cazalys Group 

• Professional development and access to AFL Cairns football resources 

• Connection to a broader network of football development professionals 

• Evening and weekend work will form part of the role 

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply through SEEK or email admin@aflcairns.com.au with: 

• Your resume/CV 

• A cover letter telling us why Cairns Saints and community football appeal to you 

• Two referee contacts 

Applications close 11 September 2026. 

For enquiries, contact AFL Cairns at admin@aflcairns.com.au or 07 4042 3004. 

Saints has a proud football history. This is an opportunity to help develop the players, coaches, pathways and programs that will shape its next chapter.