Community Programs Manager

The Salvation Army Australia; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Australia is seeking a Community Programs Manager to lead the strategic direction and growth of youth and community services across North and Far North Queensland. You will build partnerships, support high-performing teams and ensure meaningful outcomes for young people, families and communities.

This full-time role requires leadership, stakeholder engagement, and a track record in service delivery, with a focus on sustainable impact across Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Community Services, Youth Work or related discipline.
• Proven leadership experience within community, youth or social services.
• Strong understanding of youth development, trauma-informed practice and community service delivery.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, KPIs and program performance.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams.
• Queensland Driver Licence.
• WWCC - Blue Card.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow youth, family and AOD services across North and Far North Queensland.
• Drive strategic partnerships with government, community organisations, schools and funding bodies to strengthen service reach and impact.
• Identify and develop new funding, tender and service development opportunities.
• Provide leadership and support to multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee service performance, quality, compliance and operational effectiveness across the region.
• Represent The Salvation Army in regional networks and sector forums, advocating for the needs of young people and families.
• Contribute to regional planning, innovation and growth strategies that respond to emerging community needs.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Trauma-informed practice

Community service delivery

Budget & contract management

Team leadership

Driver Licence (QLD)

WWCC Blue Card

Education

Degree qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Community Services, Youth Work or related discipline

Job description

About Us

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Location – Townsville

Lead Change. Drive Growth. Transform Young Lives Across North Queensland.

As Community Programs Manager, you'll lead the strategic direction and growth of youth and community services across North and Far North Queensland. You'll build strong partnerships, identify new opportunities for service expansion, support and develop high-performing teams, and ensure programs deliver meaningful outcomes for young people, families and communities.

Number Of Positions Available 1

About Us

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Community Programs Manager

Location – Townsville

Full time – SCHADS level 7

Lead Change. Drive Growth. Transform Young Lives Across North Queensland.

As Community Programs Manager, you'll lead the strategic direction and growth of youth and community services across North and Far North Queensland. You'll build strong partnerships, identify new opportunities for service expansion, support and develop high-performing teams, and ensure programs deliver meaningful outcomes for young people, families and communities.

This role combines leadership, stakeholder engagement, business development and service excellence to drive sustainable impact across the region.

This is a rare opportunity to shape service delivery, drive regional growth and build stronger futures for young people and families from Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and surrounding communities.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll lead a diverse portfolio of youth, family and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, ensuring they are:

• Safe and effective
• Trauma-informed and youth-centred
• Sustainable and innovative
• Responsive to emerging community needs

Most importantly, you’ll help create meaningful pathways and positive outcomes for vulnerable young people and their families across some of Queensland’s most diverse communities.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and grow youth, family and AOD services across North and Far North Queensland.
• Drive strategic partnerships with government, community organisations, schools and funding bodies to strengthen service reach and impact.
• Identify and develop new funding, tender and service development opportunities.
• Provide leadership and support to multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee service performance, quality, compliance and operational effectiveness across the region.
• Represent The Salvation Army in regional networks and sector forums, advocating for the needs of young people and families.
• Contribute to regional planning, innovation and growth strategies that respond to emerging community needs.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Community Services, Youth Work or a related discipline
• Proven leadership experience within community, youth or social services
• Strong understanding of youth development, trauma-informed practice and community service delivery
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, KPIs and program performance
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams
• Queensland Driver Licence
• WWCC - Blue Card

Equal Opportunity and Child Safe

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people.

We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.