Director of Football Operations

OBJECTIVES

• To co-ordinate all off-field football activities for the Club’s teams to ensure that all players and off-field staff are provided with the highest level of support to enable them to compete and perform at the highest level.
• To liaise with and mentor all members of the coaching staff and to Chair the Football Operations Sub-committee and manage planned outcomes of this Sub-committee.
• To report and provide support to the Executive and Committee of Management to ensure the Club’s efficient operation and effective communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Chair the Club’s Football Operations Sub-committee and oversee its effective operation.
• Ensure the Football Operations Sub-committee develops and maintains appropriate and effective player policies and team rules to uphold the reputation and aspirations of the Club.
• Undertake tasks at the request of the President, Executive or Committee of Management.
• Attend Committee of Management Meetings and provide a regular report on football operations.
• Oversee the effective management of all teams including coaching panel and match day staffing/training, inter- and intra-team relationships, conflict management and player/team conduct.
• Coordinate all judiciary requirements as notified by the VAFA and ensure that all procedures are fully complied with by required Club officials and players.
• Ensure that all expenses incurred by the Football Operations Sub-committee fall within allocated budgets and that any variations are brought to the Executive for approval prior to the Club being committed to the variation.
• Liaise closely with the Club Secretary, Director of Registration & Membership, Director of Player Welfare & Team Support, Director of Facilities & Property and Delegate to the VAFA as required.
• Assist the Coaching staff, support staff and any members of the Committee of Management or its sub-committees in their duties as required.
• Recruitment and Player retention.

PRE-SEASON

• Co-ordinate formulation of the Football Operational Plan as developed by the Football Operations Sub-Committee and approved by the Committee of Management.
• In conjunction with the Executive, review and plan a schedule for recruitment and a process for advertising and selection of coaching staff prior to the end of the playing season. Ensure all necessary personnel on selection and recruitment committees are identified and organised in preparation for an immediate start to the process at the conclusion of the playing season.
• In conjunction with the Executive, formulate remuneration packages and agreements for appropriate coaching staff and ensure the agreements are executed and monitored once approved by the Executive.


DURING SEASON

• Co-ordinate and regularly review the effectiveness of the Football Operational Plan including player policies and team rules.
• Provide documentation in consultation with the Director of Finance of all coaching fees and operational costs of the Football Operations Sub-committee.
• Liaise between players, coaching and support staff, Executive and the General Committee.
• Liaise with the Director of Facilities & Property to ensure all equipment is available as required by Coaches and that it is in good working order, including match balls.
• Liaise with the Director of Player Welfare & Team Support to ensure that all training programs, rehabilitation schedules, injury management plans and general player morale are regularly assessed and optimised.
• Ensure all support staff are operating effectively, are properly resourced and fully understand their specific roles.
• Ensure quality advocates support any players required to attend VAFA tribunal hearings.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to the Club Executive.
• Chairs the Football Operations Sub-committee.
• Supports the Senior Coach, other Club Coaches and match committees, and football support staff including team managers, runners, boundary umpires and timekeepers.


REQUIRED PRE-REQUISITES

• Current Level 1 AFL coaching accreditation (or obtaining prior to commencement of season).
• Attend courses, information nights and other identified opportunities as part of professional development of coaching.
• Undergo and pass a Working With Children Check.