Community Programs Manager

The Salvation Army; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Townsville is seeking a Community Programs Manager to lead the strategic direction and growth of youth and community services across North Queensland. You will build partnerships, develop opportunities, and lead high-performing teams to deliver meaningful outcomes for young people and families.

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

Qualifications

• 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 and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, KPIs and program performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow youth, family and AOD services across North and Far North Queensland.
• Drive strategic partnerships with government, community organisations and schools.
• Identify and develop new funding, tender, and service development opportunities.
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams and foster continuous improvement.
• Oversee service performance, quality, compliance and regional operations.
• Represent The Salvation Army in regional networks and sector forums.
• Contribute to regional planning and growth strategies addressing community needs.

Skills

Leadership

Trauma-informed

Stakeholder engagement

Budgets & KPIs

Team leadership

Driver Licence (QLD)

WWCC Blue Card

Youth development

Community services

Education

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

Job description

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

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.

At the Salvos, we believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. And 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.

Mission, Vision & Values

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by:

• Caring for people
• Creating faith pathways
• Building healthy communities
• Working for justice

When you work with the Salvos, you help make a real difference to the community and the lives of others.

Why work with the Salvos?

The Salvation Army offers a range of employment opportunities across the organisation, including those in community programs, aged care, retail, employment services, corporate and other support services. When you choose to work with the Salvos, you choose to believe in doing good that transforms the lives of people and communities facing hardship or crisis. So, if you are passionate about work that has purpose and satisfaction, you are keen on delivering social and sustainable outcomes that change lives, we want to hear from you.

Our employees have access to a range of benefits, plus personal development and career diversity opportunities that deliver real and meaningful benefits. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a healthy work-life balance, generous salary packaging opportunities, parental leave, purchase leave schemes and much more. The Salvation Army encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that accepts and recognises every person, embraces their strengths and differences, and provide opportunities for all people to achieve their highest potential.

We are always on the lookout for individuals keen to help us fulfil mission to support those in need. Along with contributing their valuable time to a good cause, volunteers bring much-needed vitality and a fresh perspective through their ideas to the range of roles we have on offer. Whatever your skillset, availability, or areas of interest, we are keen to hear from you.