VAFA seeks Chief Executive Officer

The VAFA Board is pleased to announce leading sports recruitment company, Sports Executive, has been engaged to assist with the recruitment of a new CEO. The position is widely advertised across multiple platforms.

The role

The VAFA is Australia’s oldest and largest AFL football competition consisting of 70 clubs and 300+ teams competing in men’s and women’s competitions across senior, reserve, thirds, under-19 and master’s sections.

The successful applicant for the role will lead all aspects of the VAFA.

VAFA Mission:

To provide all stakeholders of the VAFA with an affordable, enjoyable and competitive game of Australian rules football in a safe environment, whilst making a meaningful contribution to the community and the development of the game.

Values:

• Amateurism: All players play for the love of the game
• Excellence: Strive to optimise performance in all endeavours
• Collaboration: Work in consultation with all relevant stakeholders
• Innovation: Seek improvement through the adoption of new ideas
• Enjoyment: Provide a safe and rewarding experience for all
• Citizenship: Promote player development to increase

The Position

The CEO is responsible for developing the VAFA in accordance with its strategy and values and driving the commercial strategies in a changing environment. In addition to leading the staff, the CEO will effectively consult with a range of external stakeholders including the clubs, AFL, AFL Victoria, Government members and volunteers to grow the competition.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy – in conjunction with the Board develop, maintain and make publicly available the VAFA’s strategic plan. Implement the initiatives in collaboration with the Board sub-committees to ensure that the short and long-term business objectives of the VAFA are met on time and within budget.
• People leadership – build, motivate and maintain an effective team and ensure staff capabilities are developed so that the VAFA can achieve its full potential.
• Organisational culture – Ensure ethical work practices and drive and further develop the organisational culture, values and reputation with all staff, clients, suppliers, partners, government departments and regulatory/official bodies
• Operational leadership – direct the organisation’s activities and in particular the football competition to ensure the VAFA is the best operator of community football. Ensure the financial performance, quality, cultural, legislative and compliance objectives are met. Ensure the Elsternwick Park re-development is completed and seen by members as a valuable and worthwhile asset.
• Financial management – develop an operating budget and provide detailed financial reports, cash flow project and cash position statements quarterly. Ensure the Board receives early warning of any potential budgetary or financial problems and recommend solutions to any such problems.
• Stakeholder management – ensure the development and maintenance of productive and cooperative working relationships with all stakeholders including the clubs, AFL, AFL Victoria, Government, members and volunteers. Promote and model harmonious working relationships so that our community is engaged and supportive of the VAFA.
• Profile and brand – raise the profile and influence of the VAFA to further develop opportunities, relationships and partnerships in business, government, philanthropic and broader community sectors
• Risk and Governance – in collaboration with the Board and relevant sub­ committees, identify and manage all risk, governance and regulatory requirements and maintain satisfactory operation of the Association’s internal controls, reporting systems, information technology, grievance procedures and business plans. Ensure that the Association complies with its Constitution and with all relevant legislative requirements
• Commercial – Ensure appropriate commercial activities to drive sustainable non-operating revenue in order to meet the needs of the VAFA and its member clubs. This includes increasing revenue via external funding sources.
• Board liaison I management – report to the Board on organisational plans and performance and develop and recommend organisational objectives, policies and corporate plans to the Board. Participate in Board deliberations, ensuring a transparent, constructive and consultative relationship with the Board.

View the role on Sportspeople.

Applications close on 28 Apr 2022.

Applications and enquiries can be directed to Stuart Carruthers from Sports Executive on (03) 8691 3161.