The AFL is Australia’s premier sporting organisation supporting two constantly evolving national competitions, AFL and AFLW. Our purpose is to progress the game, so everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.
We have a strong workforce presence in most States and Territories of Australia including Northern Territory, QLD, NSW / ACT, Victoria and Tasmania.
As the AFL/ AFLW competitions continue to grow and evolve at both the elite and community levels, we are focused on ensuring we attract and retain great people in both permanent and casual roles at all levels and within all areas of our industry.
Importantly, we aim to reflect the communities where our game is played by recruiting locally where possible to strengthen our connection to the ‘grassroots’ of our game. We are also fortunate to have hundreds of passionate volunteers within our industry, offering their time and expertise to help grow our game.
The AFL's purchase of Marvel Stadium in Docklands, Melbourne, further diversifies our workforce with more than 1000 casual employees to make every moment matter for our fans and customers.
ABOUT US
As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.
The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.
COVID-19
We care deeply for our people at the AFL with our primary focus being to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all. We strongly encourage and support all AFL team members to be vaccinated (including by receiving booster doses as recommended by the Relevant Authority and/or ATAGI). In addition, we’re committed to utilising other preventative health and safety measures as appropriate and/or as directed by Relevant Authorities to reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 in our workplaces.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Due to an internal promotion, the AFL is looking for a Legal Counsel with 2-4 years post admission experience in a commercial law firm or in an in-house role, who will be primarily focussed on ensuring that all operations of the AFL and AFL’s State affiliates are conducted within the limits prescribed by law and that the AFL’s rights are fully protected through the provision of legal counsel and guidance.
This role requires the provision of legal expertise towards commercial decision making and ensuring all operations of the AFL are conducted within acceptable parameters.
The role requires a strong “can do” attitude, the confidence to work autonomously when necessary and an ability to adapt to new and challenging legal problems and issues, including the initial management of disputes.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
The Legal Counsel will act as part of the legal team providing legal advice in the following areas for AFL Departments, AFL Clubs and State Bodies:
Corporate Partners
- Draft, negotiate and review Sponsorship Agreements and amendments and variations as required
- Advise on the operation of the Commercial Operations Guidelines across AFL and affiliated competitions
- Advise on the operation of the AFL and AFLW Collective Bargaining Agreements for sponsor promotions involving players and clubs
- Draft, negotiate and review Player Ambassador Agreements and amendments and variations as required
AFL Events Team
- Review agreements for Events Team
- Draft amendments and variations to agreements as required
Membership & Ticketing
- Draft and review agreements and amendments/variations as required
- Review membership and ticketing terms and conditions as required
- Advise on data, privacy and consumer law matters
Intellectual Property
- Advise in relation to the management and protection of the AFL’s extensive intellectual property portfolio
Marketing
- Draft, negotiate, review and interpret agreements, including Service Agreements, Consultancy Agreements and Research Agreements
AFL Media and Technology
- Draft, negotiate, review and interpret agreements in relation to the AFL’s media activities
Venues
- Draft, negotiate, review and interpret venue hire agreements in relation to AFL matches and events
- Support the drafting, negotiation, review and interpretation of construction contracts for community football infrastructure projects
Governance
- Prepare affiliation, licence and funding agreements between different governing bodies in Australian Football
- Advise in relation to the application and interpretation of Policies, Rules and Regulations in community and elite (AFL/AFLW) football
- Prepare Board governance documents for relevant governing bodies in community football
OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER
- Bachelor of Laws
- Admitted as a Legal Practitioner in Victoria
- Victorian Practising certificate
- 2-4 years’ post admission experience in a commercial law firm or in an in-house role
- Keen interest in Australian Football
- Understanding of AFL or other relevant sporting environment
- Experience/expertise in one or more of the areas of Employment, Competition, Construction, Intellectual Property Law or Corporate Governance
OUR CULTURE
Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation
We are proudly a WORK180 endorsed employer for women, to see the great benefits that the AFL offers, please visit https://work180.com/en-au/for-women/employer/afl
THE PERKS
- Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
- My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
- Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
- My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
- AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!
Applications Close: 22 August 2022