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

- Robust 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

📌 CLUB DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Cairns City Lions Australian Football Club
🏢 Afl
📍 Cairns