Job Description

Are you a proactive, curious program manager looking for an opportunity to own and shape industry programs in a thriving, critical sector?

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Do you feel energised by change, growth and working with diverse stakeholders across sectors?

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Looking for a job with plenty of variety and genuine scope in a supportive, flexible environment?

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Ready to take ownership of established national programs, help to create new initiatives and work across the organisation and sector to connect ideas, people and outcomes and make things happen?

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If you're a natural communicator and collaborator who brings people together and builds strong partnerships while being hands‐on and outcomes focused, this could be the role you're looking for.

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Heart Talent is delighted to partner with the Australian Water Association (AWA) — the peak body for Australia's water sector — as it enters an exciting new chapter.

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With a new five-year strategy setting clear direction for the water community and a vision for a sustainable water future, there's real momentum behind growing AWA's reach and impact, making this an exciting time to join the organisation.

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Are you a proactive, curious program manager looking for an opportunity to own and shape industry programs in a thriving, critical sector?

n

Do you feel energised by change, growth and working with diverse stakeholders across sectors?

n

Looking for a job with plenty of variety and genuine scope in a supportive, flexible environment?

n

Ready to take ownership of established national programs, help to create new initiatives and work across the organisation and sector to connect ideas, people and outcomes and make things happen?

n

If you're a natural communicator and collaborator who brings people together and builds strong partnerships while being hands‐on and outcomes focused, this could be the role you're looking for.

n

Heart Talent is delighted to partner with the Australian Water Association (AWA) — the peak body for Australia's water sector — as it enters an exciting new chapter.

n

With a new five-year strategy setting clear direction for the water community and a vision for a sustainable water future, there's real momentum behind growing AWA's reach and impact,



making this an exciting time to join the organisation.

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What's on offer

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- permanent, full time role
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- Chatswood office
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- hybrid working — 3 days in office/2 days WFH
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- salary packaging benefits to boost take home pay
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- novated leasing for vehicles
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- respected brand in a critical sector
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- diverse programs, initiatives and stakeholders
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About the opportunity

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Building on an exciting growth trajectory and guided by a renewed purpose to inspire, connect and transform, AWA is evolving from a connector of water professionals into a catalyst for system-wide change.

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Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Programs, you will take ownership of a portfolio of programs and initiatives that connect people, organisations and ideas across the water sector and beyond.

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This is a hands‐on role combining program and project management, stakeholder engagement, partnership development and commercial thinking.

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You'll manage established national programs while identifying opportunities to develop new programs, partnerships and sustainable models that deliver value for AWA, its members and the broader water sector.

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You'll also lead new programs from idea and design through to delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement.

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You'll connect program insights and outcomes across AWA to extend their reach and impact.

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This role offers genuine scope to question, improve and build — identifying opportunities, developing sustainable programs and helping shape how AWA collaborates with the water sector and adjacent industries into the future.

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Key responsibilities include:

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- lead end-to-end delivery of industry programs and initiatives
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- manage planning, governance, resourcing, risk and on-time, on-budget delivery
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- build and maintain relationships with members, industry partners, technical experts, government and other stakeholders
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- identify and develop new program and partnership opportunities aligned with AWA's purpose and priority impact areas
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- develop sustainable programs, considering business case, funding, resourcing and commercial opportunities
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- manage program budgets, funding opportunities, applications and reporting
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- establish transparent outcomes, monitor progress and evaluate impact and benefits
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- continuously improve established programs to increase value, reach and impact
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- connect program outcomes and insights across policy and advocacy, marketing and communications, events and other AWA initiatives
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- manage external contractors and consultants as required.
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About you

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You're a proactive, self-driven program professional who combines strong project delivery capability with excellent stakeholder engagement.

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You have experience working across water, resources, environment, sustainability or an adjacent sector.

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You're comfortable working across different subject areas and stakeholder groups and able to see the bigger picture while remaining hands‐on with the detail.

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We'd love you to bring:

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- 5+ years' experience in program or project delivery
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- qualifications in science, engineering, natural resource management or a related field
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- strong project management, planning, coordination and organisational skills
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- demonstrated capability in monitoring, evaluation and benefits realisation
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- exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and facilitation skills
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- excellent written and verbal communication skills
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- commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities and develop sustainable program models
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- creative thinking and an appetite to develop, build and improve programs
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- curiosity and the ability to quickly get across different subject matter
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- ability to work across multiple programs and subject areas, balancing competing priorities
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- comfortable working with ambiguity and in an evolving environment
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- ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‐on delivery
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- a proactive, self-starting approach and ability to work with autonomy
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- a collaborative, hands‐on approach and willingness to work end-to-end.
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📌 Industry Programs Manager (New South Wales)
🏢 Heart Talent
📍 New South Wales