Community Projects Lead - Raes

Akg Australia; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks of paid leave per year

Personal and professional development

Frequent training and support

Free Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing and Recognition Centre

Job summary

AKG Australia is seeking a Community Projects Lead to drive RAES Community Projects across Regions 51 and 55 from Cairns, Queensland. You will lead funding submissions, budget oversight, and staff management while ensuring culturally appropriate engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The role requires strong governance, KPI reporting, and collaboration with stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and funding submissions.
• Experience managing multi-site budgets and project implementation.
• Proven leadership and staff supervision experience.
• Strong understanding of government contract compliance.
• Ability to develop and monitor KPIs and performance frameworks.
• Experience working in or with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and governance capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and submission of Interim and Substantive Community Projects funding applications.
• Develop and manage Community Projects budgets across Regions 51 and 55.
• Hold overall responsibility for management of all Community Projects staff across Regions 51 and 55.
• Develop detailed project implementation plans.
• Coordinate workforce, training providers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are culturally appropriate and community endorsed.
• Establish systems to track performance milestones and deliverables.
• Monitor and report against KPIs under the RAES Performance Framework.
• Maintain documented evidence of ongoing community consultation.
• Maintain strong relationships with community leadership, Council, ACCOs, JKG, PBC and advisory groups.

Skills

Grant writing

Budget management

Leadership

Staff supervision

Governance

KPIs & performance

Stakeholder engagement

Aboriginal engagement

Job description

RISE Ventures is committed to local communities and their needs – our strategy strengthens our presence and our connection with stakeholders in the Remote Australia Employment Services (RAES) program and goes far beyond just finding jobs.

Whilst important, our role has shifted to include 'providing work opportunities', 'fostering and creating small enterprises', supporting 'emerging businesses', supporting Government objectives - in essence assisting communities to plan for and RISE to the challenge of self-determination.

This role is based in Cairns, QLD which monthly service to Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama, and Mornington Island.

The Community Projects Manager is responsible for the strategic development, funding submission, financial management, workforce oversight, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of RAES Community Projects across Regions 51 and 55.

A day in the life of a Community Projects Lead may include:

• Lead the preparation and submission of Interim and Substantive Community Projects funding applications
• Develop and manage Community Projects budgets across Regions 51 and 55
• Hold overall responsibility for management of all Community Projects staff across Regions 51 and 55
• Develop detailed project implementation plans
• Coordinate workforce, training providers, and stakeholders
• Ensure projects are culturally appropriate and community endorsed
• Establish systems to track performance milestones and deliverables
• Monitor and report against KPIs under the RAES Performance Framework
• Maintain documented evidence of ongoing community consultation
• Maintain strong relationships with community leadership, Council, ACCOs, JKG, PBC and advisory groups

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and funding submissions
• Experience managing multi-site budgets and project implementation
• Proven leadership and staff supervision experience
• Strong understanding of government contract compliance
• Ability to develop and monitor KPIs and performance frameworks
• Experience working in or with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Strong stakeholder engagement and governance capability
• Knowledge of Closing the Gap priorities
• Experience in very remote locations.

Being a part of the Rise Ventures team, you will be provided with a wide range of benefits including:

• 5 weeks of paid leave per year
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Frequent training and support to excel in the role
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Engage Wellbeing and Recognition Centre (Move, Munch, Money and Mind)

To be considered you must...

• Have full working rights in Australia
• Have a current driver's licence and a comprehensively insured vehicle
• Complete an Australia History Criminal Check
• Have a current Working with Children Check or willing to obtain a Working with Children Check before employment
• Ability to work Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 5:00pm

Please note that people with a criminal record are not automatically barred from applying for this position, rather the relevance will be considered as it applies to our industry.

About AKG:

With more than 200 locations and a team of 1,500+ dedicated professionals, AKG is one of Australia's leading providers of employment, training and health services. Each year, we support over 50,000 Australians to find meaningful employment, build new skills, and improve their health and wellbeing.

As part of the AKG Group, we work alongside people from all backgrounds and life stages, helping them overcome barriers, unlock opportunities, and achieve their goals. Our work creates real, lasting impact in communities across Australia.

If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of an organisation where your work directly empowers others to thrive, AKG offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career with purpose.

For assistance with accessibility requirements or recruitment adjustments, contact our talent team at *******************************