Manager - Community Programs

Woden Community Service; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,899

Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650

Personal leave 15 days

EAP program

Professional development

Monthly clinical supervision

Flare Benefits discounts

Job summary

Woden Community Service in Canberra is seeking an experienced Manager - Community Programs to provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse range of services, including Mental Health, Child, Youth and Family, Community Access, Intake, and Housing & Homelessness.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive service delivery improvements, manage budgets and funding outcomes, and build strong partnerships with government and community stakeholders to improve outcomes for

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading complex community, health, social services, or not-for-profit programs.
• Experience managing program performance, budgets, KPIs, contracts, and funding requirements.
• Strong governance, quality assurance, and risk management knowledge.
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• WWVP clearance or ability to obtain; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Mental Health, Child/Youth/Family, Community Access, Intake and Housing & Homelessness programs.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery, contractual outcomes, and compliance.
• Manage budgets, funding requirements, and drive continuous improvement.
• Build partnerships with government, community, and sector stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget & funding

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & risk

Team leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in Social Work or related discipline

Job description

Location: Australian Capital Territory (ACT region)

Job Category: Community Services

Woden 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 seeking an experienced and passionate Manager - Community Programs to provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of community services, including Mental Health, Child, Youth and Family Services, Community Access, Intake, and Housing & Homelessness programs.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven leader who is committed to delivering high-quality community outcomes, fostering strong partnerships, and leading teams to create meaningful impact for individuals and communities.

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 the Manager - Community Programs, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of community services, including Mental Health, Child, Youth and Family, Community Access, Intake, and Housing & Homelessness programs. The role is responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery, achieving contractual and funding outcomes, managing budgets and compliance obligations, and driving innovation and continuous improvement across services. You will lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams while building strong relationships with government, community, and sector stakeholders to enhance outcomes for people and communities.

About You

You are a collaborative and values-driven leader with a passion for community services and improving outcomes for vulnerable and diverse communities. You bring a strategic mindset, strong operational expertise, and the ability to build high-performing teams. You thrive in a dynamic environment, are skilled at managing multiple priorities, and can confidently engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. Your commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement enables you to drive positive change while maintaining a strong focus on service excellence.

Desired Skills and Experience

Experience & Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex community, health, social services, or not-for-profit programs.
• Proven ability to manage program performance, budgets, KPIs, contracts, and funding requirements.
• Strong knowledge of governance, compliance, quality assurance, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and communication skills.
• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Current Australian Driver's Licence and access to a fully insured motor vehicle.
• Current Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration orability to obtain.
• Qualifications or professional development in Leadership, Project Management, Business Administration, or Risk Management.
• Experience in service design, innovation, tender submissions, or grant management.
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the community services sector.

Key Capabilities:

• Strategic leadership and decision-making.
• Financial and operational management.
• Partnership and stakeholder engagement.
• Change management and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and child-safe practices.

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 15 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