Community Development Manager

Iaawg; Kingswood; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Free external counselling

Volunteering opportunities

Extra leave (including special days)

Job summary

Mission Australia is seeking a Community Development Manager to lead initiatives that strengthen and connect communities in Kingswood, NSW. You will engage residents, partners and internal teams to deliver impactful programs and build strategic partnerships that drive positive social outcomes.

You will coach a high‑performing team, manage budgets, monitor performance, and identify opportunities to improve resident outcomes while aligning with our values and mission.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading community development, social impact or community engagement programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse communities.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Experience analysing community needs and implementing initiatives that drive positive social outcomes.
• Financial and budget management experience, including monitoring resources and evaluating program performance.
• National police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, with a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of community development programs and initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with residents, community organisations and key stakeholders.
• Support and strengthen tenant engagement, participation and community capacity‑building activities.
• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team.
• Identify community needs and opportunities to improve social and community outcomes.
• Manage program budgets, resources and funding opportunities to maximise community impact.
• Monitor, analyse and report on program performance, outcomes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated, customer‑focused services and positive resident outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Communication

Project management

Budget management

Community development

Social impact

Education

Tertiary qualification in Community Development

Job description

Permanent Full-Time Position Location: Kingswood, NSW 2747 Salary: $110,000 + Super + NFP Salary Packaging

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we are building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your opportunity

Join us as a Community Development Manager and lead initiatives that create stronger, more connected communities. In this rewarding role, you will work closely with residents, community partners and internal teams to drive engagement, deliver impactful programs, build strategic partnerships and support positive social outcomes across the region. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a genuine difference while leading a passionate team and shaping community‑focused solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of community development programs and initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with residents, community organisations and key stakeholders.
• Support and strengthen tenant engagement, participation and community capacity‑building activities.
• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team.
• Identify community needs and opportunities to improve social and community outcomes.
• Manage program budgets, resources and funding opportunities to maximise community impact.
• Monitor, analyse and report on program performance, outcomes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated, customer‑focused services and positive resident outcomes.

Requirements for success

• Proven experience leading community development, social impact or community engagement programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse communities.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Experience analysing community needs and implementing initiatives that drive positive social outcomes.
• Financial and budget management experience, including monitoring resources and evaluating program performance.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Community Development, Social Sciences, Human Services or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not‑for‑profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career. We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email [e-mail] or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at [e-mail]

Learn more about a career with Mission Australia.

Mission Australia is a national Christian charity motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive. Since 1859, we’ve been standing alongside people in need across Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact. Backed by our supporters, churches, partners, and funders, we work together for the long‑term wellbeing of anyone who needs us, reflecting our values of respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration. We collaborate with people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to tackle the root causes of their challenges through providing access to safe, affordable homes and innovative, evidence‑based support services. Every day we deliver homelessness crisis and prevention services, provide social and affordable housing, assist struggling families and children, address mental health issues, fight substance dependencies, support people with disability and much more. Mission Australia believes a person’s circumstances shouldn’t define their future and that given the right support, everyone can reach their full potential. That’s why we stand together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves. Learn more about Mission Australia and our purpose.