About the Role The Manager Community Programs provides strategic and operational leadership of Communities at Work's Community Programs and Hubs, ensuring services are responsive, sustainable and aligned with community needs and organisational priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director Community Services & RTO, the role leads a diverse portfolio including community centres, crisis support, pantry and food relief services, clothing programs, food rescue initiatives and other community-based services. The position is accountable for achieving program outcomes, service quality, compliance obligations and community impact across multiple sites.

The role leads and develops Community Programs staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture while overseeing workforce planning, operational performance, governance, risk management and continuous improvement.

The Manager Community

Programs exercises a high degree of judgement and delegated authority in managing people, resources and service delivery, ensuring services remain effective, accessible and community focused. The position is responsible for the effective management of program budgets, assets, donations, funding allocations and reporting requirements, and for building strong partnerships with government, community, business and funding stakeholders. The role contributes to strategic planning, service development and organisational initiatives, while identifying and pursuing opportunities for innovation, growth, grants, tenders and strategic partnerships that strengthen Communities at Work's impact and long-term sustainability. Working closely with the Executive Director Community Services & RTO, the Community Development Manager and other organisational leaders, the Manager Community Programs plays a key role in advancing community wellbeing, social inclusion and resilient communities across the ACT while supporting Communities at Work's purpose, values and strategic objectives.

Duties

- Lead the strategic planning, delivery and evaluation and continuous improvement of Community Programs and Hubs, ensuring services achieve organisational, community, funding and contractual outcomes.

- Lead and manage Community Programs staff and volunteers, including performance management, supervision,



capability development fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.

- Oversee the effective operation of community centres, crisis support services, pantry programs, clothing programs and food rescue initiatives, ensuring services are accessible, sustainable and responsive to community needs.

- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with community members, businesses, donors, government agencies, funding bodies and sector stakeholders to strengthen service delivery, community participation and organisational impact.

- Develop, implement and review operational policies, procedures, systems and practices that support service quality, governance, compliance, risk management and continuous improvement across Community Programs.

- Develop, monitor and manage program budgets, funding allocations, assets, donations and resources, ensuring financial sustainability and achievement of program objectives.

- Under the guidance of the Executive Director Community Services & RTO, identify and pursue growth opportunities for grants, tenders, commissioning processes, partnerships and other initiatives that strengthen and expand community programs and services.

- Work collaboratively with the Executive and broader organisation in the planning, development and delivery of creative and sustainable initiatives across Communities at Work’s programs and services.

What We Need From You

- Relevant tertiary qualification in community services, community development, social services, management or a related discipline

- Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex community programs, services or operations across multiple sites or service streams

- Proven experience leading, developing and managing staff and volunteers, including performance management, coaching and capability development





- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government, community organisations, funding bodies, businesses and other stakeholders to achieve service and organisational outcomes

- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, resources, assets and funded programs, including monitoring performance against operational and financial objectives

- Demonstrated experience in governance, risk management, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement within a community services environment

Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for innovation, service growth and improved community outcomes

- Demonstrated understanding of Asset Based Community Development principles and their application to community development and service delivery

- Current driver’s licence

- Current Working with Vulnerable People card

Desirable

- Understanding of the ACT Government Commissioning process and funding models

- Experience using data and client feedback to improve services and demonstrate community impact

Benefits for You

- 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.

- 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.

- Accrue paid leave - 14.5 days sick leave and 20.5 days annual leave per year (pro-rata for part time).

How to Apply

Click APPLY and ensure to include a current resume and a maximum two-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria. Please contact the HR Services and Recruitment team on 6293 6200 for a confidential discussion.

Applications close on 11 October 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.

📌 Manager Community Programs (Canberra)
🏢 Communities At Work
📍 Canberra