About the role

This role is about helping a community football club become stronger. You'll work closely with the Club President and committees, supporting rather than replacing the volunteers who make the club happen. You'll help develop coaches, strengthen football programs, grow participation and create an environment where players and families want to remain connected to the Lions. You will be employed by AFL Cairns, but your day-to-day focus will be Cairns City Lions and its people.

Key responsibilities

Strengthening junior development and creating clear pathways into senior football

Growing women's and girls' participation and programs

Supporting and developing coaches across the club

Recruiting, developing and retaining volunteers

Working alongside the President and committees to reduce administrative pressure

Supporting football operations, planning and governance

Improving communication and connection across junior and senior programs

Helping create sustainable systems that remain in place for the future

About you

Experience in community sport, coaching, development or club administration

Strong understanding of grassroots AFL and player pathways

Experience working with and developing volunteers

An ability to build strong relationships with committees, coaches, players and families

Strong organisational, communication and planning skills

An understanding of good club governance and sustainable operations

Initiative and the ability to turn ideas into practical outcomes

A genuine passion for developing people and community football

A commitment to Community, Professionalism and Integrity

A valid Blue Card

About us

Formed in 2011 through the merger of Cairns City Cobras and Redlynch Lions Junior AFC, Cairns City Lions has established a proud place within AFL Cairns. With back-to-back senior premierships in 2021 and 2022, strong junior programs and women's football, the Lions have built an identity around youth, development and creating genuine pathways through the club. This role forms part of a new AFL Cairns initiative providing dedicated full-time football development resources within senior clubs.

Benefits

Full-time position

$80,000 per annum plus superannuation

2-year fixed-term contract

Employed by AFL Cairns and embedded within Cairns City Lions

Close working relationship with the Lions President and committees

Professional payroll, HR and onboarding support through Cazalys Group

Professional development and access to AFL Cairns resources

Connection to a broader network of football development professionals