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

FOOTBALL. COMMUNITY. PORT DOUGLAS. 

There aren't many community football opportunities quite like this one. 

Established in 1989, Port Douglas Crocs is the only AFL club north of Cairns, located approximately 70km from the city in one of Australia's most recognised destinations - close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. 

The Crocs have a formidable football history, with 10 premierships and programs extending from Under 8s through to senior football, including junior and women's programs. 

AFL Cairns is seeking a Club Development Officer to be embedded within Port Douglas Crocs, working alongside the Club President, committees, coaches and volunteers to develop and strengthen football throughout the club. 

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

THE ROLE 

At its heart, this is a football role. 

You'll help develop football from the youngest Crocs through to senior level, supporting players, coaches and programs while strengthening the pathways that connect the whole club. 

Port Douglas is a unique football community. The role requires someone willing to become part of that community and work closely with the President, committees and football leaders to build sustainable football programs. 

Your focus will include: 

  • Strengthening junior player development and pathways into senior football 
  • Supporting the planning and delivery of football across the club 
  • 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 with the President and committees on football planning and seasonal priorities 
  • Recruiting and developing volunteers to support football delivery 
  • Strengthening football operations, governance and club systems 
  • Building sustainable football programs for the Port Douglas community 

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. 

For Port Douglas, the right fit is particularly important. 

We want someone who understands community football, can become part of a close football community and has the drive to develop players, coaches and programs. 

You'll be comfortable taking initiative while also listening to and working collaboratively with the people who know the Crocs best. 

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 Port Douglas, the Crocs 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. 

This is an opportunity to live football, become part of the Crocs community and help develop the players, coaches and programs that will shape the club's future.