Full-time | $80,000 + super | 2-year fixed term | Cairns
HELP BUILD THE NEXT CHAPTER AT CAIRNS CITY LIONS
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.
Now there is an opportunity to help shape what comes next.
AFL Cairns is seeking a Club Development Officer to be embedded within Cairns City Lions, working alongside the Club President, committees, coaches and volunteers to strengthen football across the entire club.
You will be employed by AFL Cairns, but your day-to-day focus will be Cairns City Lions and its football programs.
THE ROLE
At its heart, this is a football role.
You'll help plan, develop and deliver football across the Lions - connecting juniors, women's and girls' football and senior programs while creating strong pathways for players and coaches.
You'll work closely with the Club President, committees and football leaders to understand the Lions' priorities and turn those priorities into action.
Your focus will include:
- Supporting the planning and delivery of football programs across the club
- Strengthening junior player development and pathways into senior football
- 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, developing and supporting the volunteers required to deliver quality football programs
- Strengthening football operations, governance and club systems
- Helping build sustainable programs that leave the Lions stronger for the future
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.
Someone who understands community football, enjoys developing players and coaches and can build strong relationships throughout a club.
The right fit matters.
You'll need to be equally comfortable around the football environment and the committee table - supporting coaches, developing pathways, solving football operational issues and working collaboratively with the people responsible for leading the Lions.
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
WHAT WE OFFER
- $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 [email protected] with:
- A cover letter telling us why Cairns City Lions and community football appeal to you
Applications close 11 September 2026.
For enquiries, contact AFL Cairns at [email protected] or 07 4042 3004.
This is an opportunity to become part of the Lions, develop football and people, strengthen pathways and help build the next chapter of Cairns City Lions.
