Introduction

Woden Community Service (WCS) is a for-purpose organisation that has been providing community-based services for over 50 years. Our vision of ‘A caring community where everyone belongs’ is achieved through our values of Inclusion, Compassion, Hope, Responsiveness, Integrity and Social Justice.

We deliver services across the ACT covering children, families, young people and seniors including housing and mental health services.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Manager - Community Programs to provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of community services, including Mental Health, Child, Youth and Family Services, Community Access, Intake, and Housing & Homelessness programs.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven leader who is committed to delivering high-quality community outcomes, fostering strong partnerships, and leading teams to create meaningful impact for individuals and communities.

Our Offer:

- Salary packaging option up to $15,899 per Fringe Benefits Tax year, with an additional Meals and Entertainment package available up to $2,650 per Fringe Benefits Tax year.
- 15 days paid personal leave per annum (pro rata) for full & part time employees.
- 24/7 nationally recognised Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including 3 additional holistic service sessions.
- Ongoing professional development and a supportive team environment.
- Monthly external clinical supervision.
- Enjoy exclusive discounts and everyday savings on essentials at leading Australian retailers such as Woolworths and Coles, all through our Flare Benefits program.

Description

About the Role

As the Manager - Community Programs, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of community services, including Mental Health, Child, Youth and Family, Community Access, Intake, and Housing & Homelessness programs. The role is responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery, achieving contractual and funding outcomes, managing budgets and compliance obligations, and driving innovation and continuous improvement across services.



You will lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams while building strong relationships with government, community, and sector stakeholders to enhance outcomes for people and communities.

About You

You are a collaborative and values-driven leader with a passion for community services and improving outcomes for vulnerable and diverse communities. You bring a strategic mindset, strong operational expertise, and the ability to build high-performing teams. You thrive in a dynamic environment, are skilled at managing multiple priorities, and can confidently engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Your commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement enables you to drive positive change while maintaining a strong focus on service excellence.

Skills And Experiences

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

- Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex community, health, social services, or not-for-profit programs.
- Proven ability to manage program performance, budgets, KPIs, contracts, and funding requirements.
- Strong knowledge of governance, compliance, quality assurance, and risk management frameworks.
- Experience leading, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and communication skills.
- Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, Psychology, or a related discipline.
- Current Australian Driver's Licence and access to a fully insured motor vehicle.
- Current Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration or ability to obtain.

Desirable:

- Qualifications or professional development in Leadership, Project Management, Business Administration, or Risk Management.




- Experience in service design, innovation, tender submissions, or grant management.
- First Aid qualification.
- Understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the community services sector.

Key Capabilities:

- Strategic leadership and decision-making.
- Financial and operational management.
- Partnership and stakeholder engagement.
- Change management and continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and child-safe practices.

To be eligible for employment, you must have an active Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card (including NDIS), working rights in Australia, and be willing to undertake background checks required for the position, including a National Police Check.

Why Join Us?

- Opportunity to lead programs that make a genuine difference in the community.
- Work with a passionate and values-driven team.
- Influence service innovation and strategic growth.
- Professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Meaningful role within a respected community services organisation.

To apply, please click on the “Apply” button and submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the essential requirements of this role. Please also indicate the role that you interested to apply on your cover letter. The applications will not be accepted via email.

Closing Date: COB 15 October 2026

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found prior this date.

For more information about WCS and services that we provide, including Children’s Services, Youth & Family, Community Development, Housing and Homelessness, Mental Health, Social Enterprise and Aged Care, please visit our website at www.wcs.org.au

WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all abilities and life experiences. We also encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply

📌 Manager - Community Programs (Australian Capital Territory)
🏢 Elmo
📍 Australian Capital Territory