About Us

Guided by our First Nations Strategy and underpinned by our engagement approach of Listen, Talk, Connect; we are committed to creating meaningful change, strengthening connections and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We have an opportunity for a passionate and experienced Tyetdji Programs Lead to facilitate the delivery and growth of our Tyetdji programs within our Tyetdji pillar.

We are proud to have now relocated to our new state‑of‑the‑art home, the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley—an exciting milestone that marks the next chapter for our Club.

The Hawthorn Football Club considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Equal Opportunity Act s 26(3). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Community, you will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of impactful programs and partnerships that centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and experiences. This role plays a critical part in fostering cultural connection, supporting education outcomes, and strengthening community relationships across multiple regions.

This is a part time (3 days per week) or can flex to a full time role for the suitable candidate. This role on a 12-month fixed term contract.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the co-design and delivery of Tyetdji programs, guided by a Listen, Talk, Connect engagement approach
• Oversee key initiatives including the School Attendance Program, First Nations Internships, and Tyetdji Friends
• Manage program operations to ensure strong outcomes and meaningful impact
  

Growth & Community Engagement

• Support the expansion of programs and partnerships across Victoria, Katherine, Tasmania, Cairns and the Torres Strait
• Coordinate cultural immersion opportunities and experiences
  

Cultural Connection & Education

• Activate culturally safe spaces such as Tyetdji Yulk at club facilities and match days
• Support cultural education initiatives for players and staff, including conducting awareness training and kinship understanding
  

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners including Deadly Choices, Dardi Munwurro, Red Dust Heelers and Kinaway
• Engage with communities across key regions including Katherine, Gippsland and Cairns
• Collaborate with internal teams, AFL stakeholders and community leaders
  

The Successful Candidate 

You are a purpose-driven professional with a strong commitment to community impact and cultural respect. You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience delivering community, education or social impact programs
• A deep understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and cultural safety
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly within Indigenous communities
• Proven project management and organisational capability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Relevant tertiary qualification in community development, youth work or health promotion

Please submit your application including your resume and cover letter.

Our offer to you 

As a Hawthorn Football Club employee, you will work in a supportive, values driven and harmonious team. You will be challenged and provided with opportunities to learn new things, grow, and develop. Our initiatives which drive wellbeing, connection and performance include:

• Access to gym facilities
• Special offers and discounts through our Corporate Partners
• Professional development opportunities – inhouse and external
• One Club memberships to enjoy games with your family and friends

The Hawthorn Football Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and diverse candidates. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of the Australian community and encourages applicants from the following backgrounds to apply:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Culturally and linguistically diverse
• LGBTIQ+
• People with a disability
• People who live in rural and regional locations

We provide a welcoming, safe, and flexible approach to work and provide an environment that benefits from and enables the best from everyone.

As an organisation we are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. It is essential that anyone involved with the Hawthorn Football Club understands their responsibility in relation to child safety. Our organisation requires all applicants to obtain a ‘Working with Children Check’ prior to appointment.