What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a strategic and values-driven leader with strong expertise in risk, governance and compliance, ideally within the not-for-profit sector. You’ll bring a proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to balance regulatory requirements. You are a confident and credible governance leader who can influence at Executive level while building strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.

You will bring:

- Tertiary qualifications in Risk Management, Governance, Compliance, WHS or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Significant experience in enterprise risk, governance or compliance leadership.
- Robust understanding of regulatory environments within community, education or children’s services sectors.
- Experience working in complex or multi-service organisations (NFP experience highly regarded).
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to translate risk frameworks into practical, organisation-wide outcomes.

Why Join Us?

- Senior leadership opportunity with real organisational influence.
- Purpose-driven organisation making a genuine community impact.
- Opportunity to shape and mature risk and governance capability.
- Collaborative Executive team and values-driven culture.

About the role

Senior Manager, Risk, Governance and Compliance (RGC) ensures Communities at Work meets all legislative, governance, and compliance obligations across Community and Children’s Services. The role leads strategic management of RGC and Internal Audit functions, supporting risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, internal assurance and continuous improvement. It also oversees governance frameworks, insurance coverage, service standards, and the quality management system, including policy integrity, incident investigations, and risk reporting.

Duties

- Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to support ethical risk decisions and a positive work culture.
- Collaborate with the CEO and CFO to ensure adequate insurance coverage.
- Lead the Risk, Governance, Compliance and Internal Audit Team, including the management and development of staff, and set the strategic direction for its programs and functions..
- Oversee WHS systems, injury management, and workers compensation.
- Monitor and evaluate organisational risks and the Business Continuity Plan (BCP).




- Maintain the integrity of key risk registers and manage audit actions.
- Lead and oversee the organisation’s Internal Audit function, including development and delivery of the internal audit program, management of internal audit staff, reporting of findings and recommendations, and monitoring the implementation and closure of agreed audit actions.
- Support investigations and report on non-compliance issues.
- Coordinate internal governance committees.
- Oversee and improve the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with legislation and best practices.
- Provide expert advice and systems to foster risk awareness and compliance, including training and legislative updates.
- Collaborate with executives and specialists to manage risk assessments and treatment plans.

Selection Criteria

- Tertiary qualifications in Risk Management, Governance, Compliance, Work Health & Safety, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven experience in risk, governance, compliance and quality improvement, with demonstrated experience overseeing internal audit or assurance activities.
- Knowledge of corporate insurance requirements.
- Skilled in identifying and managing risks, ensuring compliance, and implementing policies.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills for reporting to and engaging with diverse stakeholders
- Experience within the sector (charitable, not for profit organisations)
- Deep understanding of legislative and compliance requirements of the Education, NDIS, Community and Children’s Services sectors
- Relevant experience or understanding of management systems for WHS and injury management.
- Maintain current “Working with Vulnerable People” registration

Desirable

- Current driver’s license.

Benefits

- Make a difference and change lives in the Canberra community as part of Canberra's largest community organisation
- Join an inclusive and friendly workplace, where people are at the heart of everything.
- Increase your take-home pay! Because Communities at Work has charity status,



you can salary package and increase your take home pay.
- Access discounted childcare and education services for your child(ren) including early education and care, out of school hours care, and school holiday programs (conditions apply)
- Grow your career with professional development, training and mentoring with the 5-times winner of Large Employer of the Year award at the ACT Training Awards.
- Flexibility when you need it with options for study leave, leave concessions, paid parental leave, and more.
- Enjoy healthy living with our active lifestyle & healthy activity programs and reimbursements (including remedial massages, annual flu vaccination and more).
- Receive guidance and support for mental health through our Employee Assistance Program

About Communities at Work

Communities at Work is one of the ACT’s largest not-for-profit community organisations, delivering children’s services, education and community programs that support strong, connected and thriving communities. Communities at Work exists to build inclusive, thriving communities by delivering connected, high-quality services that support people and families to learn, grow and flourish.

We are the five-times winner of the "Large Employer of the Year" award at the ACT Training Awards which demonstrates our commitment to excellence in training, professional development, and career progression of our people.

With over 40 years of experience in the ACT and Capital Region, our people help us deliver a wide range of high-quality education and community services that support positive educational outcomes, assist in alleviating hardship, enhance the quality of life and lead to positive social change in the Canberra community.

How to Apply

Click APPLY and ensure to include a cover letter alongside your resume or contact the HR Services and Recruitment team on 6293 6200 for a confidential discussion.

To view the full position description, please visit our Careers Page and refer to vacancies under Corporate - https://www.commsatwork.org/home/careers/

Applications close on Wednesday 9 September 2026.

We reserve the right to close the job early once the position has been filled.

Communities at Work encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, mature-aged workers, people with disabilities and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles.

📌 Senior Manager, Risk, Governance and Compliance (Canberra)
🏢 Communities At Work
📍 Canberra