About Us The overarching aim of First Steps Count is to ensure that children – especially our local Taree children who may be facing adversity – are given the best possible opportunity to feel valued, safe, loved and truly connected.

The First Steps Count Child and Family Hub places families at the very heart of each child’s journey. Drawing on two decades of listening, learning, and walking alongside our community, we have seen first-hand how unresolved trauma and hardship can echo from one generation to the next. With a steadfast commitment to breaking this cycle, First Steps Count (FSC) works alongside parents and carers, creating the conditions where children learn to connect, grow and thrive in an environment where they feel supported, valued, and able to seize opportunities ahead.

At FSC, we support children (aged 0-12) and their families, particularly those impacted by trauma, through purposeful, intentional, trauma-informed practice that strengthens safety, relationships and outcomes for families.

FSC is a safe, welcoming and beautiful space where families feel at home, meeting parents where they are at, without judgement, which helps to establish trustworthy relationships. While the children play, parents can relax and eventually open up. FSC partners with local services and supports to provide families with access to high-quality, trauma-informed, evidence-based support.

By collaborating in our hub this way, families benefit from a wide range of targeted help that no single organisation could offer alone.

Check out our story here: www.firststepscount.org

Our Values

Working Together: Our purpose can only be realised if we work together

Valuing Every Person: We make everyone feel welcome

Learning Everyday: We share our resources, knowledge and skills and are open to learning and development.

Being Courageous: We are brave in our conversations and decision making. We are not afraid of the challenging moments.

Being Adaptable: We can flex and change according to the needs of our community.

About the role The Business Manager is responsible for the successful day-to-day operational, financial, and administrative running of the hub. The role ensures a compliant, well-maintained, and commercially sustainable venue, delivers high-quality service to hirers and stakeholders, and supports the CEO in growing the hub’s business and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Facilities

- Responsible for the successful day-to-day operational running of the hub
- Oversee and manage general building maintenance, including fire compliance
- Ensure compliance and quality assurance across all operational functions
- Manage risk,



and maintain policies and procedures
- WHS compliance and reporting

2. Financial Management

- Manage day-to-day financials, including budget management
- Oversee accounts receivable and payable, petty cash, and invoice management
- Liaise with external FSC Bookkeeper/Accountant

Liaise with the FSC Inc. Treasurer or Chair as requested by the CEO or FSC Inc. Board of Management

- Assist the CEO and/or FSC Inc. Board members with all elements of strategic development and grant application/management as directed

3. Hirer & Stakeholder Relations

- Responsible for hirer satisfaction, onboarding new hirers, and optimising venue hire
- Manage feedback, complaints, and general hub enquiries
- Support the CEO with business development, generating current hirer business and revenue opportunities
- Run building tours on demand

4. Leases, Licences & Partnerships

- Manage all sub-leases and licences, including the Head Lease
- Manage partnership agreements and renewals
- Facilitate the leadership group of key stakeholders

Liaise with the FSC Inc. Treasurer or Chair as requested by the CEO or FSC Inc. Board of Management

- Assist the CEO and/or FSC Inc. Board members with all elements of strategic development and grant application/management as directed

5. Systems, Privacy & Compliance

- Systems oversight, including obligations under the Privacy Act and data security
- Coordinate child protection training

6. People Management

- Supervise and manage the Business Support Officer
- Award interpretation and compliance, leave management and approvals

Shared Responsibilities

These responsibilities are shared by all members of the team.

Cultural and Relational Commitments

- Maintain a welcoming, culturally safe environment
- Welcome all families to the hub with warmth, without judgement
- Work in partnership with families using strengths-based approaches
- Build respectful, trusting relationships with community
- Actively participate in reflective supervision

Operational and Organisational Commitments

- Cover front reception desk as required to cover periods of leave/absence
- Attend community and fundraising events
- Contribute to funding and grant applications for programs
- Participate in workforce and service planning





- Participate in strategic planning as appropriate

• Record keeping and maintenance of accurate records
- Photography and consent management
- Support outcome measurement and data collection
- Reporting as required by role
- Staff wellbeing — checking in with colleagues and contributing to a supportive team culture
- Any additional assistance the CEO may require / direct at any time.

About You

You bring at least 5 years' experience in business development, administration or management, with some experience supervising a small team. You're highly organised, a strong communicator, and genuinely motivated by seeing your work make a difference - you understand that a well-run, sustainable hub is what allows children and families to thrive.

You are friendly, approachable and adaptable - happy to roll up your sleeves and pitch in beyond your when the team needs it. You bring positive energy to the workplace and care about contributing to a warm, collaborative culture, not just ticking off tasks.

What we offer

- Above Award Salary commensurate with skills and experience

- Generous NFP Salary Packaging options - take home more pay!

- Work in an award-winning building in a collaborative workplace

Apply now

We strongly encourage interested candidates to reach out for a confidential discussion about the role before applying. Please contact Clare Brennan on 02 5543 1 or ****@firststepscount.org using the subject line: Business Manager - Taree enquiry via SEEK

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter outlining why you believe you are the best candidate for this role, addressing the following key selection criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience in an operations, business, or other management role.

2. Strong financial and administrative skills, including accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and working with external accounting providers.

3. Sound understanding of WHS, risk management, and compliance frameworks, with the ability to embed these into day-to-day operations.

4. Demonstrated people management experience, including leave management and staff supervision.

5. High-level interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with multiple stakeholders.

6. Experience identifying and developing new business or revenue opportunities.

7. Experience implementing or overseeing operational systems.

8. Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a part-time capacity.

9. Alignment with our organisation's values and a commitment to working in a culturally protected, family-friendly community environment.

📌 Business Manager (Taree)
🏢 First Steps Count
📍 Taree