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 **** 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 **** and ****, robust 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 (Queensland)
🏢 AFL Cairns
📍 Queensland