First Nations Player Development Manager

About The Business

Fiercely proud of our unique Western Suburbs heritage – the Western Bulldogs have represented Melbourne’s West, our geographic heartland, for over 100 years. Our famous Bulldog fighting spirit mirrors that of the West – where hard work and standing up for what you believe in matters. We are the team of the Mighty West, for the West, which has been ingrained in our club for many years. However, our story is no longer only defined by where we come from. Our horizons have lifted, unprecedented opportunities await, and with that there is a moment in time to evolve.

While some things change, some stay the same. Our Club still exists to bring people together and create lasting memories, as much as it strives to win premierships. It’s about our people, and their shared passion for the red, white and blue. It’s about ambition, pride, determination, and having a place to call home. We’ll always be entrenched in our community, embracing the beauty and strength in its diversity. It’s the story of what it means to be a Bulldog ‘Through & Through’. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are celebrated and belong regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture or background. As a club, we’re committed to leading and owning cultural safety and wellbeing. We know this work is an ongoing journey, and we treat it as one of our highest priorities. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply for this fantastic role.

Your contribution to the team includes

Responsibilities

The role of First Nations Player Development Manager exists to provide dedicated, culturally safe, and holistic support to our First Nations AFL, AFLW and Next Generation Academy (NGA) players, while driving culturally informed programs and contributing actively to the Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This is a part time role of up to three days a week depending on the availability of the successful applicant. Key responsibilities include:

• Deliver cultural, wellbeing and development support to First Nations AFL and AFLW players, working closely with Player Welfare Manager and Support.
• Foster a culturally safe environment, support player induction, and build strong relationships across football programs.
• Coordinate the planning and delivery of cultural education initiatives and key events, including but not limited to NAIDOC Week, Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Indigenous Round, Welcome to Country ceremonies, Smoking Ceremonies, and cultural immersion experiences. Engage First Nations players and families across the NGA zone, embed cultural awareness in the program, and assist with coaching, events and strategy.
• Provide culturally informed guidance to AFL and AFLW recruiting, support interview processes, attend Combine and key First Nations carnivals.
• Develop and support cultural awareness training for staff and players.
• Participate on and actively contribute to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group and progress RAP initiatives.
• Support community engagement and facilitate player involvement with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.

Skills And Experience

• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in program or project development, planning and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple teams.
• Proven commitment to equality, diversity and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with young people, families, and community organisations.
• Knowledge of AFL pathways and programs is desirable.
• Standard requirement to obtain/hold-current Working With Children Check and satisfactory police check required.
• This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under Section 26(3) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

What’s On Offer

• Close to West Footscray Station with free onsite parking available
• Club membership - Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
• Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
• Deals & Discounts with Club corporate sponsors - over 40% in some cases
• Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer’s Leave available
• A strong focus on wellbeing – including support to develop a proactive wellbeing plan, access to the club gym and swimming pool, year‑round wellbeing sessions and activities, and appropriate pathways for broader social and emotional wellbeing support.

How To Apply

If you are interested in growing together in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position we will be excited to receive your application, please click on Apply & attach your resume and a cover letter outlining your key attributes. We are eager to find the candidate for this role, so please apply as soon as possible.

Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.