Description Lead services that empower, inspire and shape the future of young people in your community.
At Youth Projects, we specialise in addressing disadvantage and delivering high-impact support with no judgement, full stop.
Across Greater Melbourne, our services support young people through mental health and wellbeing services, community outreach and pathways to education, training and employment, helping them build brighter futures.
We're looking for a strategic, values-led and people-focused Head of Youth, Community Outreach Services based out of our Glenroy HQ to lead our Youth Services teams across Melbourne.
This role is ideal for a senior leader who thrives in complex service environments, inspires high-performing teams, builds strong partnerships and delivers meaningful outcomes for young people and communities.
What Makes You a Great Fit You're an experienced leader in youth, community or human services with a track record of overseeing multiple programs, services or portfolios to achieve strong outcomes for young people and communities.
You're strategic yet hands-on, confident leading change across complex service environments and translating organisational priorities into impactful programs and initiatives.
You have experience driving performance, sustainability and continuous improvement across diverse service streams, ensuring services remain responsive, effective and aligned to community needs.
You build strong relationships with funders, partners, government and community stakeholders, creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth.
Most importantly, you're motivated by the opportunity to create positive change and strengthen pathways that help young people build brighter futures.
Why You'll Love This Role Lead services that create meaningful opportunities for young people and help break cycles of disadvantage.
Shape the future direction and growth of programs that remove barriers and create pathways to wellbeing, education, training and employment.
Build and develop capable leaders and high-performing teams who are committed to creating positive change.
Work closely with executive leaders to influence strategy, service development and innovation.
Create and strengthen partnerships that improve access, opportunity and outcomes across communities.
Use your leadership and influence to drive sustainable change for young people, services and systems.
Be part of an organisation committed to inclusion, empowerment, social justice and creating a more equitable future.
About the Role As Head of Youth, Community Outreach Services, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across Youth Projects' Youth, Community Outreach portfolio.
This includes oversight of YHOP, YNOT, QPOP and other holistic youth programs, ensuring services remain impactful, sustainable and responsive to the needs of young people and communities.
You'll lead and develop high-performing leaders and teams, ensuring services are safe, responsive, sustainable and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for young people.
Working closely with operational leaders, you'll build capability, strengthen culture and foster an environment where people feel supported, empowered and accountable for delivering excellence.




You'll play a key role in shaping the direction and performance of a diverse portfolio of youth services, ensuring programs operate cohesively while meeting the unique needs of the communities they serve.
Working closely with operational leaders and key stakeholders, you'll drive service integration, strengthen program outcomes, identify opportunities for growth and innovation, and ensure services remain aligned with organisational strategy and funding priorities.
This role would suit an experienced community services manager who thrives on developing people and services, leading through complexity and balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership.
Most importantly , you'll help create opportunities for young people who have experienced disadvantage, ensuring they have access to the support, connections and pathways they need to thrive.
Through strong leadership, innovation and partnership, you'll contribute to services that create lasting impact for individuals, families and communities.
This role is equal parts strategic leader, people leader and change maker.
What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months) Strategic Leadership Service Excellence A clear vision is established and translated into high-quality, impactful services that consistently meet community needs, organisational objectives and compliance requirements.
Community Influence Partnerships Strong strategic partnerships enhance the organisation's reach, reputation and impact, positioning the service as a trusted leader in supporting young people and communities.
High-Performing People Culture Leaders are empowered, teams are engaged and capability is strengthened across the division, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Measurable Outcomes for Young People Programs deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes, helping young people build resilience, strengthen wellbeing, develop life skills and access pathways to education, employment and community participation.
Sustainable Effective Operations Resources, budgets and performance are actively managed to ensure efficient service delivery, informed decision-making and long-term organisational sustainability.
Values in Action The division exemplifies the organisation's mission and values, ensuring every service is inclusive, safe, empowering and centred on the needs of young people and the community.
Why join Youth Projects?
At Youth Projects, we're lucky to have a passionate, energetic and values-driven team who genuinely care about the work we do and the people we support.
We work hard, support each other and celebrate the impact we create every day.
While the work can be challenging, it's also incredibly meaningful and you'll be surrounded by people who are committed, collaborative and driven by purpose.
We're committed to creating a flexible and supportive workplace where you can thrive professionally and personally.
From ongoing learning opportunities to wellbeing initiatives and genuine work-life balance,



we invest in our people every step of the way.
Most importantly, the work you do here directly changes lives in the community.
Great people deserve great perks, you'll also enjoy: Free locally roasted coffee at the office every day Generous salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay 17.5% annual leave loading to help you make the most of your holidays Employee wellbeing initiatives, including access to our Employee Assistance Program 15 days of personal/carer's leave each year, with up to 5 days able to be used for wellbeing or to meet other personal needs.
If you're still reading, there's a strong chance you might be exactly the leader we are looking for.
We're searching for someone who brings strategic leadership, people-first thinking and a genuine commitment to social impact.
Someone who is ready to develop teams, strengthen services and create meaningful opportunities for young people and communities.
Send through your resume and cover letter by clicking "Apply for the Job."
In your cover letter, tell us about your leadership approach, your experience leading community or human services, and the impact you would like to create through this role.
Recruitment for this position will be undertaken as applications are received, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Please note the successful applicant will be required to: Hold or obtain a valid Working with Children Check, National Police Check Current and valid Driver's Licence as part of the onboarding and recruitment process.
Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging: At Youth Projects, we value the unique experiences, perspectives and contributions that a diverse workforce brings.
We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming workplace for all and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people of all genders, sexualities and identities, including members of the LGBTIQA+ community Safety Screening: Youth Projects is committed to being a child-secure organisation, providing an environment where children and young people who come into contact with the organisation feel safe and respected.
Youth Projects has zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect or exploitation.
All successful applicants will be subject to relevant child safety screening and compliance requirements.
Company Overview We are an independent, registered charity which provides front line support to young people and individuals experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness, alcohol and other drug issues.
We also help those looking to re-engage with learning and employment.
We recognise the complex and varying needs of the people we work with and go above and beyond, 365 days a year, to provide pathways out of poverty.
We are not only changing lives, but saving lives.
Comprised of a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team, we have the ability to provide a complete wrap around, judgement free service with a strong focus on respect, client-centred care and harm prevention.
The impact we seek enables each person to lead longer lives, have improved health, meaningful employment and a greater sense of belonging, safety and security through a holistic model of care.

📌 Head Of Youth Community & Outreach Services (Melbourne)
🏢 Youth Projects
📍 Melbourne