We are the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF) . We are a Not-For-Profit supporting young people (aged 8-18) that are living in families affected by mental illness and Defence families impacted by the unique lifestyle of serving in Defence. Since 2002, we have helped young people to connect , learn, and grow through safe , fun , and meaningful programs.Our evidence-based camps, activity days, and online “Connect” sessions are designed by mental health professionals, delivered in a peer based, recreation led format. Our programs are proven to empower young people to thrive beyond the impacts of familial mental illness.

Check out what we do here

We valueConnection, Commitment, Collaboration and Integrity. We strive for impact , and we do this through developing real relationships, flexibility, and a team that supports each other.

If you’re someone who wants your work to matter , who wants to help shape outcomes for young people and bring energy , authenticity, and care into your role, then AKKF is a place where your passion will be put into practice.

About Our Programs

Activity and Camp days are single day events that provide an opportunity for children to connect, improve mental health literacy, develop help-seeking behaviours, and provide a fun day out for some much needed respite. Activities can include ice skating, laser tag, bowling, movies, putt putt golf, and beach activities just to name a few! Activity days may be held on week days or weekends.

Camps are multi-day programs that provide an opportunity for connection, growth, and empowerment. Young people learn about mental illness and help-seeking behaviours, develop coping skills and resilience, build peer connection, participate in recreational and connection activities such as canoeing, archery, giant swings, go-karts and much more!Our camps run from approximately4.00pm Friday to 4.00pm Sunday.

Connect sessionsare “hosted” by Kookaburra Kids staff and volunteers online and are designed to be a fun, safe area where young people can express themselves in a supportive environment. Our connect sessions are interactive and follow a similar format as our activity days and camps; incorporating fun with mental health education.

Our camps and day activities are held in various locations across Australia, throughout the year.

The Opportunity

The Volunteer Manager is a national, relationship-led role; building and managing a portfolio of volunteers across Australia.

As the Volunteer Manager you will work to establish purpose and direction for our volunteering function while leading a review and redesign of volunteer operations in line with business needs. You will plan and coordinate volunteer resources, manage and develop the people, and lead through change. You will balance the people and the results of the programs; ensuring our volunteers can thrive through consistent positive development and engagement.



You will have a deep understanding of the volunteer workforce - forecasting the future volunteering needs for our organisation. You will enhance our volunteers’ skills, knowledge, and competency, resulting in better experience for our volunteers and playing a key role in attracting and retaining talent, enriching our company culture.

This isn't a sit back and let the EOI's filter in kind of role - thisrole is defined by its presence: this is a role for someone who is genuinely energised by driving engagement with communities, volunteers, and stakeholders. You will take ownership of the full volunteer cycle; you will lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, compliance, rostering and performance. You won't tackle this on your own; you will be supported by and work collaboratively with our Volunteer Coordinator to ensure alignment in a single, well-coordinated approach to any volunteer experience.

This is an opportunity to have real impact. You will see real results in your work; helping to change the lives of young people and families across Australia. You will also get to have real input and impact in shaping what our volunteers experience.

This role is being offered at part-time, 0.8 FTE (4 days per week). We are flexible on which days are worked. Initially the role will be offered as a 6-month contract with view to ongoing permanency.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who brings energy, initiative, and a drive for getting it across the line. You're someone who can quickly build deep, trust-based relationships. You will excel atcreating exceptional volunteer experiences and finding smarter ways of working while contributing to a cause that changes young lives.You're willing to pick up the phone and call a volunteer at short notice to get results and fill gaps. You're someone who enjoys bringing together strategy, organisational skills, and volunteer coordination to create meaningful impact. You will thrive working under limited direction to develop strategy and process; taking ownership for the volunteer department and its outcomes.

You’ll be working with a cohort of people who truly care - our volunteers selflessly give their time to us and are invaluable to the outcomes we work to create; we need someone who will bring that same passion, drive, and care so that our volunteers have the best possible experience.

Key Responsibilities

- Coordinate recruitment,onboarding, inductions, and ongoing training for volunteers.

Ongoing auditing, monitoring, and compliance of training and compliance for volunteers.





Forecasting current and future volunteering needs to ensure the right number of volunteersare in the right place at the right time to meet program goals.

Coordinate the scheduling of volunteers on program and work to resolve program gaps as needed.

Ensure volunteers have an engaging, supportive, and positive experience with AKKF and identify ways we can improve the volunteer experience.

Review and modernise the volunteer function to improve efficiency, strengthen commercial capability, simplify processes and deliver more meaningful volunteer experience to support operational capabilities.

Provide leadership and oversight of the Volunteer team.

About You

- Minimum 5years' experience in volunteer management or a related field.
- Relevant qualifications in Volunteer Management, Human Resources, Management, Community Services, or similar or equivalent experience.
- Strong knowledge of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.
- Experience managing compliance and risk in a regulated setting.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and volunteer management systems, preferably Better Impact.
- Current Working With Children Check.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to youth empowerment.

Contribute to programs that make a real difference in young people's lives.

Fun , rewarding , and meaningful work where you see the difference you make in peoples lives first hand.

Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Remote organisation - work from home

Weekly 'Me Time' one hour each week paid for you to use towards whatever you like!

Birthday leave - have your birthday off each year on us!

Two days paidVolunteer Leave

Not For Profit Salary Sacrifice Packaging - package up to $15,900 of your salary

KookaRewardsdiscountprogram to over 200 retailers

Take an extra longChristmas off on us - 3x days paid leave between Christmas and New Years

- Wellbeing-focused Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support and resources for you and your family

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. As are those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or as neurodivergent.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know first‑hand how valuable lived experience is to support positive outcomes for our young people.

We warmly encourage current or former members of the Australian Defence Force to apply. If you have served, you are welcome (but not required) to share your experience in your application. We value the unique skills and perspectives that Defence service brings.

Child Safeguarding

AKKF is committed to creating environments where the safety and wellbeing of young people is at the center of our thoughts, values, and actions.

Employment is subject to reference checks, a National Police Check, and a Working with Children Check.

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📌 Volunteer Manager (remote) (Sydney)
🏢 Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation
📍 Sydney