About Us

Carlton Football Club is one of Australia’s oldest and most prominent sporting institutions. Founded in 1864, the Club’s headquarters and high-performance facilities are based at IKON Park in Carlton, our traditional home ground.

Following the completion of the IKON Park redevelopment, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art facilities that underpin our high-performance environment. This historic project was driven by a commitment to provide elite training and competition facilities for women that are equal to those of their male counterparts.

The Club’s AFLW program was established in 2017 as part of the inaugural AFLW competition, with Carlton one of the eight foundation teams. As the competition has expanded into a truly national league, AFLW continues to create significant growth opportunities and pathways for our athletes. We remain deeply committed to the continued success and evolution of our AFLW program, both on and off the field.

We are equally passionate about our role in the community, fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture where our values guide everything we do.

About the Role

The Head of AFLW is a key leadership role responsible for leading the Club’s women’s football program and department. Reporting to the General Manager of Football, the role is accountable for fostering a high-performance environment through strong, values-driven leadership, and for setting and upholding clear standards across the entire department.

Success in this role will be defined by the ability to deliver a strategic and analytical approach to planning and decision-making that drives sustained high performance. This includes the effective management of football operations and the leadership of a connected, purpose-driven and high-performing AFLW playing group and program.

The Head of AFLW will lead a team committed to excellence in every aspect of its operations, aligned with Carlton’s core values: Respect, United, Integrity, Humility, Relentless and Excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Capability & Program Development

• Lead the development and execution of the Club’s vision and operational plan for the AFLW program, encompassing all aspects of the women’s football department. This includes coaching and performance analysis, player fitness and skill development, budget and resource allocation, recruitment and list management, as well as the professional and personal development of players and staff. It also spans player welfare, medical and allied health services, and departmental structure, staffing and administration.
• Regularly assess program performance, providing data-informed insights and recommendations to support continuous improvement and sustained high performance.
• Oversee the strategic direction and implementation of frameworks across the women’s program, including talent identification and recruitment, player retention and contracting, list management, and financial planning, budgeting and forecasting. This also includes responsibility for football operations systems, technology, coaching and support resources, facilities enhancement, sports science initiatives, and player education and leadership development.
• Advocate for and represent the AFLW program at a senior level, driving whole-of-club alignment, support and capability.

Talent Strategy, List Management and Pathways

• Lead and own the Club’s multi-year AFLW list strategy, ensuring a forward-looking, sustainable, and competitive approach to building and maintaining a elite and high performing squad.
• Shape and execute a forward-looking talent strategy that balances immediate performance needs with long-term list development and succession planning.
• Oversee all aspects of list management, including player acquisition, retention, contracting strategy, and list composition.
• Drive best-practice talent identification processes, ensuring the Club consistently identifies, attracts, and secures high-potential talent.
• Lead the integration and optimisation of the Carlton Academy and broader talent pathways, strengthening alignment between development programs and AFLW list needs.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging talent pipelines to inform strategic decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.

Leading and Sustaining a High-Performance Environment

• Sustain high standards, drive team performance, and foster an environment in which players can consistently thrive.
• Lead, support and hold the coaching group accountable for delivering high-performance standards, including clear expectations, regular performance review, and constructive feedback mechanisms to optimise coaching effectiveness and on-field outcomes.
• Continue to champion and advocate for the integration of the Women’s Program, strengthening connection, belonging, and on-field success across the Club.
• Further embed effective feedback mechanisms, cultivating a growth mindset and a culture of continuous improvement across players and staff.
• Ensure consistent, transparent communication with players and staff to keep all stakeholders informed of program priorities, expectations, and performance.
• Set and uphold clear behavioural standards across the program, reinforcing a culture of professionalism and accountability.
• Continue to champion and advocate for the integration of the Women’s Program, strengthening connection, belonging, and on-field success across the Club.

Football Operations and Compliance 

• Oversee and forecast Total Player Payments (TPP) to ensure compliance with AFL regulations and internal budget parameters, including the negotiation of responsible player contracts with third-party representatives (player managers) in collaboration with the Chief Operations Officer and General Manager of Football. 
• Manage all staff contracting processes within the women’s program, ensuring alignment with the annual budget and leading the negotiation of new and renewed contracts.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of, and adherence to, all AFL and AFLPA rules and regulations, including the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and policies relating to medical, supplements, gambling, and illicit drugs.
• Represent the Club at AFL and AFLPA forums and meetings relating to women’s football, advocating for the Club’s position and contributing to the broader direction of the competition.
• Prepare and deliver reports and documentation to the Club’s Board of Directors, providing clear insights into the activities, performance, and key decisions of the women’s football department.
• Act as a key media representative for the women’s program, managing communications and responding to enquiries relating to football operations.

What are we looking for in the role?

• Demonstrated experience within the AFL industry or elite sport environment, with strong operational knowledge of AFLW. Previous senior leadership experience within an AFL Club is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build, lead and sustain high-performance environments, driving excellence across all aspects of a program.
• An inspiring and effective leader, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and develop teams through coaching, mentoring and tailored development initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, assessing financial implications in decision-making, and operating within established parameters.
• Adaptable and forward-thinking, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to navigate and lead through change.
• Highly developed communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to analyse, synthesise and present insights through clear verbal and written reporting to senior stakeholders, including the General Manager of Football, CEO and Board.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust, listen effectively, and bring out the best in others.
• A leader of integrity, who makes sound, values-based decisions and sets the standard for ethical behaviour.
• Ability to drive accountability and performance, fostering a growth mindset and maintaining high standards within a high-performance sporting environment.
• Proven capability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.Self-motivated and purpose-driven, with a genuine passion for AFLW and its impact on the broader community.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business Management or a related discipline are desirable.

Culture & Benefits

Carlton’s values underpin how the Club operates, describing how our people work together, interact and behave. The Club is passionate about its culture, focused on cultivating a unique sense of belonging and connection. In addition, we offer our people flexible working, learning and development opportunities, as well as employee benefits such as membership, café, retail & partnership discounts, working in a world- class sporting amenity.

The Carlton Football Club is an equal opportunity employer and a place who welcomes all. We encourage people with diverse experiences and backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering a workplace environment which is inclusive, safe, and flexible. All applicants will be considered based on the relevance of their abilities to the role and their alignment with our Club Values. 

The Carlton Football Club is committed to providing a welcoming environment where the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our programs, services, activities, events, and the broader community, will always be our first priority. All staff must hold (or be willing to obtain) a current Victorian Working With Children Check and valid Police Check as part of their employment with the Club.