John Moriarty Football (JMF) Player Development Manager is an exciting, dynamic role that manages the football and holistic development of elite young Indigenous footballers within our Sydney scholarship program.
The position includes managing those providing residential and pastoral care to our young players, and holds accountabilities for our selected in-community regional and remote scholars. You will be focused on individual athlete development, program management, mentorship, and stakeholder engagement. The position ensures that scholarship holders receive the necessary support to excel in football, education, and personal growth, all in the context of wellbeing and health. By collaborating with football clubs, schools, families and the John Moriarty Football team, the role helps to create a structured, supportive and elite player-driven pathway for young Indigenous athletes preparing for, and transitioning into professional opportunities.
Key responsibilities
Elite player development
- Develop and implement individual elite player development plans in collaboration with club technical directors and head coaches.
- Continuously monitor, track and provide guidance on scholars’ football progress, skills development, conditioning effectiveness, and education, health and wellbeing contexts, providing regular updates and feedback and proactive solutions to the Program Director.
- Plan and coordinate interstate and international training, competitions and trials for scholars.
- Support selection of scholars at clubs and continuously monitor progress by regular in-person attendance at matches and training.
- Support scholars’ transition into professional football environments.
- Provide technical and holistic guidance to enhance scholars’ long-term development.
Scholarship program management
- Manage the enrolment, scheduling, and participation of scholarship holders in football training and competitions.
- Manage mentoring staff who provide individual support to each scholarship holder.
- Manage scholarships applications.
- Support school pathways to optimise academic success.
- Participate in talent ID and scholarships aptitude.
- Manage scholarship-related logistics, including ABSTUDY arrangements, travel coordination, and safe accommodation planning.
- Organise scholarship events such as termly social gatherings and pathway experiences.
- Maintain accurate data of scholar participation, progress, and program-related administration.
- Support the annual Scholarship Review and offers process.
Mentorship & development
- Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to scholarship holders, fostering their personal, academic, and athletic growth.
- Support and manage those providing residency to scholarship athletes.
- Conduct regular check-ins to support scholars in setting and achieving their academic and sporting goals.
- Assist scholars in developing strengths beyond football, aligning with the program’s holistic development vision.
- Facilitate smooth transitions between education levels (e.g., community to school, secondary to tertiary) through enrolment and pathway planning support.
- Ensure a positive living environment for scholars, including onboarding in residency contexts and ongoing engagement.
Stakeholder engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders regarding scholarships.
- Foster strong relationships with residential care providers and home parents/guardians, ensuring open communication and ongoing support.
- Communicate continuously with football clubs, schools, and coaches to track scholar performance and address challenges.
- Engage with JMF Community Hubs, delivering presentations and building connections with site coaching staff and players.
- Report on scholar progress, including school attendance, academic performance, and football development, to key stakeholders.
Selection criteria
- Strong experience and qualifications in mentoring and developing elite football (soccer) players.
- Experience working with children and youth.
- Highly organised, IT proficient, and committed to effective processes.
- Strong child and youth relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in working with Indigenous communities or other diverse cultural groups (desirable).
- Cultural competency to engage respectfully with Indigenous children and families.
- A passion for fostering Indigenous talent through football, education, and personal development.
Successful applicant
Moriarty Foundation’s Head Office team fosters a supportive, high-performing culture. The Player Development Manager will work closely with young Indigenous athletes, their families, and key stakeholders to ensure scholarship holders receive the support needed to thrive. You are a dedicated mentor with a deep understanding of athlete development, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for supporting young footballers. Highly organised and process-driven, you excel in managing programs while providing individualised guidance. You uphold the highest ethical standards and are motivated by a commitment to Indigenous talent development, ensuring young athletes have the best possible pathway to success in football, education, and life.
Apply now
To apply please submit your resume and cover letter (max two pages) below.
For further information please contact: [email protected]
