Program Manager

Fresh Hope; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresh Hope Communities seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead the Program Team at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops. You will combine leadership with operational and program development expertise to deliver outdoor education and group experiences that foster connection, growth and wellbeing.

Work closely with other leaders to shape offerings, develop a high-performing team and ensure exceptional guest experiences while maintaining safety, financial and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Requires senior leadership experience in outdoor education or service organizations.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements applicable to outdoor education or education.
• Experience in faith-based or not-for-profit contexts is preferred.
• Willingness to work within Fresh Hope Communities' Christian mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Program Team to deliver high-quality experiences.
• Oversee design and delivery of outdoor education and group programs.
• Manage program operations, staffing, budgets and resources.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, risk management and child-safe policies.
• Identify opportunities for program development and business growth.
• Build strong relationships with guests, stakeholders and partners.

Skills

Senior leadership

Program development

Operations management

Risk management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Graduate qualification in community services/education/service management

Job description

Lead with purpose. Create experiences that make a difference.

Fresh Hope Communities is seeking an experienced and values-driven Program Manager to lead the Program Team at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine your leadership, operational and program development expertise to deliver innovative outdoor education and group experiences that foster connection, growth and wellbeing.

Working closely with other leaders, you will shape program offerings, develop a high-performing team and ensure exceptional guest experiences while maintaining strong operational, financial and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop an engaged, high-performing Program Team.
• Oversee the design and delivery of quality outdoor education and group programs.
• Manage program operations, staffing, equipment, budgets and resources.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, safety standards, risk management and child-safe requirements.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, program development and business growth.
• Build strong relationships with guests, stakeholders and industry partners.

About you

You are a collaborative and strategic leader who enjoys developing people, improving services and creating memorable experiences. You bring strong operational and organisational skills, sound judgement and a commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Essential requirements

• Demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within outdoor education, education or another service-focused organisation.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements relevant to outdoor education or education.
• Experience working within a faith-based and/or not-for-profit organisation.
• A graduate qualification in community services, education, service management or a related discipline.
• Willingness and ability to work within a Christian context and in alignment with Fresh Hope Communities' mission and values.
• Current NSW Working with Children Check, or ability to obtain one.
• Valid NSW driver's licence and ability to undertake occasional intrastate travel.

Desirable

• Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership or similar
• Wilderness First Aid
• Certificate IV in Outdoor Education and Recreation

Why join Fresh Hope Communities?

Join a purpose-driven organisation where you can lead a dedicated team, develop innovative programs and help create meaningful experiences for individuals and communities.

About Us

The Tops Conference Centre is set on 200 acres of prime bushland in Stanwell Tops and is a great location for school and community groups, team building retreats and conferences with fun range of outdoor and indoor experiences, activities and challenges.

Fresh Hope Communities exists to create spaces that cultivate belonging and places that feel like home.

For almost 90 years, we have been providing quality support and lifestyle choices across retirement, residential and respite settings, as well as conference and outdoor adventure experiences for school and community groups. We have over 1100 staff and together we serve residents and customers across NSW. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, and we value inclusion and diversity. For more about us visit our website https://www.freshhope.org.au