Salary: $120,000 – $130,000 per month

Job Type: Full-time

Remote: Hybrid

Director - Community EducationSalary: $130-145K + Super + NFP packagingLocation: Melbourne - Western Suburbs | Multi-site + HybridEmployment Type: Full Time, PermanentStart Date: November 2026Lead Strategy, Growth & Impact Across a Major Community Education PortfolioTradewind Australia is partnering with a respected community organisation in Melbourne's western suburbs to recruit an experienced Director - Community Education.This is a senior leadership opportunity responsible for the strategic direction, performance and sustainability of a substantial Community Education portfolio, including a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering government-funded education and training programs.The role will suit an experienced senior leader with robust education, RTO or community services experience who can provide strategic direction across a complex, multi-site portfolio while balancing quality, compliance, financial sustainability and community need.About the OrganisationOur client is a well-established community organisation supporting people and communities experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion.The Community Education portfolio delivers a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited education and training programs across multiple locations, with a strong focus on creating pathways to employment, education and greater community participation.About the RoleAs Director - Community Education, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Community Education portfolio, ensuring programs are effective, financially sustainable, strategically aligned and compliant with contractual and regulatory requirements.The portfolio includes programs such as the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), Employability Skills Training (EST), English as an Additional Language (EAL), Skills for Education and Employment (SEE), ACFE and other foundation skills programs.You will lead Program Managers and education teams across multiple locations, working closely with senior leadership, government departments, funding bodies, regulators and community stakeholders.This is a genuine senior management position with accountability for portfolio strategy, performance,



funding, financial sustainability, governance, risk and continuous improvement.Benefits$130-145K + Super + NFP packagingSenior leadership opportunity with strategic influence across a substantial education portfolioLead a diverse, multi-site Community Education and RTO functionHybrid working arrangements with flexibility across multiple Melbourne locationsInfluence program strategy, performance, growth and long-term sustainabilityWork closely with senior leadership, government, funders and regulatorsMake a meaningful impact supporting communities experiencing disadvantageKey ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic leadership and portfolio-level accountability across program performance, financial sustainability, delivery models and multi-site operationsOversee budgets, financial performance, funding compliance and portfolio sustainability, providing reporting and recommendations to Executive and Board forumsLead portfolio performance, financial sustainability, funding outcomes and continuous improvementDevelop funding strategies, tender submissions and contract negotiations while ensuring successful acquittalsOversee governance, compliance, risk and regulatory requirements across the portfolioLead and develop Program Managers and education leaders, building accountability and high-performance capabilityUse data, performance insights and evaluation to inform strategic decision-making, providing high-level reporting and recommendations to Executive and Board forumsWhat You'll BringDemonstrated senior leadership experience across a complex education, RTO or community services portfolioStrong understanding of RTO operations, regulatory requirements, quality frameworks and government-funded trainingProven ability to set strategic direction and manage portfolio performance, financial sustainability and riskExperience managing funding relationships,



tenders, contracts and senior government or regulatory stakeholdersDemonstrated ability to lead multi-site teams, manage organisational change and drive continuous improvementStrong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, supported by a tertiary qualification in Education, Management or a related disciplineRTO leadership experience is highly desirable, particularly experience within a complex Registered Training Organisation and government-funded education programs.Additional RequirementsCurrent Working with Children Check, Current National Police Check, Current Victorian Driver LicenceAbility to meet relevant RTO eligibility requirementsAbility to travel between various worksites and locations as requiredAbout Tradewind AustraliaTradewind Australia is a multi-award-winning recruitment agency specialising in education and community sector leadership roles.We partner with leading organisations across Victoria to connect experienced professionals with meaningful permanent and interim opportunities.What sets Tradewind apart:Specialist consultants with deep sector expertiseTailored support throughout the recruitment processInsight into organisational culture, leadership and role expectationsTransparent communication and ongoing career supportAccess to exclusive permanent and contract opportunitiesWe focus on supporting people, not just filling jobs.Apply NowIf you're an experienced education, RTO or community services leader looking for a senior opportunity where you can influence strategy, performance and meaningful community outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.Click "Apply" to submit your CV.For a confidential discussion, please contact Angus Hayes on 03 9087 1020 or [email protected] to Child Safety, Inclusion and to be an Equal Opportunities EmployerTradewind Australia is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and vulnerable people. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.All successful applicants will undergo reference checks, identity verification and relevant compliance checks as required.#SCR-angus-hayes-1#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Director, Community Education & RTO Leadership (Melbourne)
🏢 Tradewind Australia Pty
📍 Melbourne