The timing and potential of this newly created executive level opportunity is unprecedented. With a recently appointed and highly experienced CEO leading strategy development for the next four years and beyond, AFL and AFLW football programs poised to launch the Club into a new era and the Danny Frawley Centre growing in brand awareness and impact, there’s a lot to excite and ignite.

Reporting to the CEO, the Executive General Manager Strategy will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the St Kilda Football Club’s long-term vision. You will lead strategic initiatives, identify growth opportunities, and drive community engagement and operational excellence across multiple areas, including strategic planning, data and technology enablement, business development, financial sustainability, and educational partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee major projects, drive business growth, and ensure alignment with the Club’s overarching goals for success.

Careers at the St Kilda Football Club represent a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic culture, where we recognise every individual impacts team success. It’s a place where we lift, support, and challenge each other to find the next level.  We understand who we represent, and the privileged position we hold as custodians of a football club built on more than 150 years of history. 

About the role

Strategy and Growth Initiatives

• Strategic Execution: Lead the execution of the Club’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment across departments and successful achievement of growth targets.
• Growth Opportunities: Identify and evaluate new growth opportunities, including regional expansion, new consumer and commercial ventures, and maximising the synergies of key facilities (RSEA Park, Healthy Futures Hub, Danny Frawley Centre).
• Project Leadership: Direct major development projects and collaborate with senior leadership to drive financial sustainability and capital works.
• Tender Management & Capital Works: Oversee project tenders, feasibility studies, and stakeholder engagement to drive major capital works projects.

Data Strategy, Technology & Enablement

• Data Capture and Analysis: Oversee the development of data warehousing, integration, and management to enable accurate decision-making.
• Technology Strategy: Shape the technology strategy and lead the integration of technology initiatives that enhance business performance and operational efficiency.
• IT Systems & Strategic Alignment: Ensure IT operations align with the Club’s long-term objectives, driving system integration and adaptability.
• Resource Development: Lead the recruitment and development of a high-performing data team to execute the data strategy effectively.

Community Strategy & Football Pathways

• Community Growth: Lead a multi-channel strategy to increase participation in AFL/AFLW and build community engagement across local football leagues and schools.
• Elite Talent Pathways: Oversee the Club’s Next Generation Academy and other elite talent programs, ensuring the development of top-tier football talent.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Lead the development of programs for multicultural, First Nations, and All Abilities talent pathways.

Education Partnerships & Inclusion

• Education Growth Strategy: Oversee strategic partnerships with tertiary institutions and explore new revenue streams in education.
• Schools & Engagement: Build relationships with primary and secondary schools to engage the next generation of Saints supporters.
• Inclusion Programs: Lead programs that support All Abilities participation and diversity initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Club’s inclusion strategy.

Strategic Financial Support

• Financial Modelling: Lead financial feasibility assessments for growth projects, ensuring effective resource allocation and financial sustainability.
• Insights & Analysis: Drive profitability through data-driven insights, improving operational performance across all business units.
• Process Management & Reporting: Oversee financial forecasting, reporting, and KPI tracking to support informed decision-making.

About you

• Strategic Insight: Strong ability to navigate complex business environments, assess growth opportunities, and make data-driven decisions.
• Leadership and Execution: Proven ability to inspire and motivate multi-disciplinary teams, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating the Club’s vision and collaborating with senior executives, teams, and external partners.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, addressing complex issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Financial and Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of financial management, budgeting, and investment, ensuring the financial health and resource allocation of the Club.
• Educational Background: Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a related field.
• Executive Leadership: Proven executive-level experience in a senior leadership role within a similar organisation.
• Long-Term Thinker: Experience in planning for long-term horizons (3, 5, 10 years) and setting strategic goals to drive sustainable growth.
• Strategic Expertise: Extensive experience (5+ years) in developing and executing organisational strategy, ideally within a high-performance or sporting environment.

What we offer

• Fantastic culture of grounded and best in class people, passionate about what they do
• Hybrid working, with 3 Connect Days at RSEA Park per week and the balance worked as needed by role
• On site Linton Street café
• Free access to Aquatics Facilities at our Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing
• Free parking onsite & state of the art gym access
• Bring your pet to work on Fridays!
• Paid Wellbeing Days - time off to relax & recharge
• 12 weeks paid Parental Leave for primary carers (2 weeks for secondary carers)
• Discounted Saints memberships and merchandise
• Up to 40% discount on selected New Balance products
• Incredibly generous discounts on Westinghouse products
• Amazing discounts from our friends at Loewe televisions and coffee machines
• Saints-only Linen House product pricing
• Discounted movie tickets through Hoyts

Please keep reading...

Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized folks tend to only apply when they check every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point above, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit. 

To apply

Applications should include a current CV with a cover letter that addresses why you are interested in working with St Kilda Football Club, why you would be an attribute to our culture and how your skills/experience would be attributes to the position.

Applications will close at 5pm, Thursday 12th December 2024. One of the perks working at the Saints is guaranteed time off in December and January. Therefore, short-listing of candidates will commence when we return in February 2025.

The St Kilda Football Club is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, those from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTIQ communities.

We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and fostering a “child safe” culture. It is essential that anyone involved with the St Kilda Football Club understands their responsibility in relation to child safety and supports such an environment. All employees of St Kilda Football Club are required to have a valid Working With Children Check.