Executive Manager - Community Programs

Woden Community Service; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Personal leave 15 days

EAP program

Professional development

Clinical supervision

Flare Benefits discounts

Job summary

Wooden Community Service (WCS) is recruiting an Executive Manager Community Programs to lead the strategic and operational management of its Community Programs portfolio. You will partner with the CEO and Executive Team to translate strategy into high-performing services that meet community needs and enable sustainable growth.

The role requires senior leadership experience in community services or related sectors, with a strong focus on partnerships, governance and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Senior executive or senior leadership experience in community services, mental health or related sectors.
• Proven ability to develop partnerships and sector relationships.
• Experience leading organisational change and service development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Community Programs and drive growth and service development.
• Lead budgeting, financial sustainability and operational performance.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with organisational objectives.
• Lead, coach and develop multidisciplinary leadership teams.
• Ensure regulatory, contractual and governance compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Budget oversight

Change management

Education

Tertiary qualifications in health or social services

Tools

Job description

Location: Australian Capital Territory (ACT region)

Job Category: Community Services

Wooden Community Service (WCS) is a for-purpose organisation that has been providing community-based services for over 50 years. Our vision of ‘A caring community where everyone belongs’ is achieved through our values of Inclusion, Compassion, Hope, Responsiveness, Integrity and Social Justice.

We deliver services across the ACT covering children, families, young people and seniors including housing and mental health services.

We are seekingan experienced and visionary Executive Manager Community Programs to join our Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this influential role provides strategic leadership across our Community Programs portfolio, ensuring exceptional service delivery, sustainable business growth, regulatory compliance, and meaningful outcomes for the communities we support.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior leader who is passionate about community services, stakeholder engagement, organisational development, and creating lasting social impact.

Our Offer:

• Salary packaging option up to $15,899 per Fringe Benefits Tax year, with an additional Meals and Entertainment package available up to $2,650 per Fringe Benefits Tax year.
• 15 days paid personal leave per annum (pro rata) for full & part-time employees.
• 24/7 nationally recognised Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including 3 additional holistic service sessions.
• Ongoing professional development and a supportive team environment.
• Monthly external clinical supervision.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts and everyday savings on essentials at leading Australian retailers such as Woolworths and Coles, all through our Flare Benefits program.

Job Description

About the Role

As Executive Manager Community Programs, you will lead the strategic and operational management of WCS's Community Programs portfolio. You will be responsible for translating organisational strategy into operational excellence, driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring services continue to meet community needs and organisational goals.

You will work closely with the CEO, Executive Team, government stakeholders, community partners, and internal leaders to deliver high-quality, sustainable services that support community wellbeing and organisational growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership across Community Programs.
• Drive organisational growth, innovation and service development.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with organisational objectives.
• Lead business planning, operational performance and continuous improvement activities.
• Manage significant service budgets and ensure financial sustainability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, funding bodies and sector partners.
• Lead, coach and develop multidisciplinary leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual and governance requirements.
• Advocate for community needs and contribute to sector leadership.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion and high performance.
• Support service user engagement and evidence-based service improvements.
• Contribute as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team.

About You

You are a strategic thinker and accomplished executive leader with a strong record of delivering outcomes in community services, mental health, human services or related sectors.

You bring exceptional leadership capability, business acumen and stakeholder engagement skills, together with a passion for improving outcomes for individuals and communities.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior executive or senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of community services, mental health or related human services sectors.
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic partnerships and sector relationships.
• Success leading organisational change, service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing complex service systems and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong financial management and budget oversight experience.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence government agencies, funding bodies and community stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capability with experience building high-performing teams.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in health, social services, community development, business, management or a related discipline.

Highly Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualifications and/or formal leadership training.
• Executive leadership experience within the not-for-profit, community services or health sector.
• Established networks across government, health and community sectors.

To be eligible for employment, you must have an active Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card (including NDIS), working rights in Australia, and be willing to undertake background checks required for the position, including a National Police Check.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead programs that make a genuine difference in the community.
• Work with a passionate and values-driven team.
• Influence service innovation and strategic growth.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Meaningful role within a respected community services organisation.

Closing Date: COB 22 October 2026

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found prior this date.

For more information about WCS and services that we provide, including Children’s Services, Youth & Family, Community Development, Housing and Homelessness, Mental Health, Social Enterprise and Aged Care, please visit our website at www.wcs.org.au

WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all abilities and life experiences. We also encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply .