Senior Project Lead - Volunteer Framework

Careers at Council; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 92,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + superannuation

Lead a project-driven change

Diverse teams and community impact

Supportive team and positive outcomes

Lake Macquarie City Council perks

Job summary

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking a Senior Project Lead to develop and implement its new Volunteer Framework. This is a hands-on 12-month project turning a big-picture idea into a practical framework that strengthens how Council supports and engages volunteers.

You’ll work across Council to understand current practices, engage with our people, volunteers, community organisations and sector partners, and identify opportunities to create a clear, consistent and sustainable approach to

Qualifications

• Experience leading business improvement or organisational projects.
• Ability to build relationships and manage competing priorities.
• Advanced project management skills including planning, risk and benefits realisation.
• Strong communication and written skills across diverse teams.
• Knowledge of governance frameworks and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently and deliver outcomes aligned with objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project from planning through to implementation and evaluation.
• Review current volunteer engagement practices and develop evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
• Design the framework, including service models, governance, measures, risk controls and continuous improvement.
• Engage Council teams, volunteers, community organisations, government and sector partners to shape the framework and build support for change.
• Coordinate project teams and provide advice to leaders on project delivery, change and process improvement.
• Establish project governance and reporting to monitor progress, risks, outcomes and benefits.
• Lead implementation and support teams to adopt and embed new ways of working.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Change leadership

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Relevant degree in Project Management or related field

Job description

Term Contract – 12 months

Build the framework. Bring people with you. Make an impact.

• Lead a high-profile, organisation-wide project that will shape how Council works with volunteers
• Enjoy a 35-hour week, with flexible working arrangements including a 4-day condensed work week
• Work with a supportive team that values collaboration, innovation and community impact

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Lead to develop and implement Council’s newVolunteer Framework.

This is a hands-on, 12-month project where you will turn a big-picture idea into a practical framework that strengthens how Council supports and engages volunteers.

You’ll work across Council to understand current practices, engage with our people, volunteers, community organisations and sector partners, and identify opportunities to create a clear, consistent and sustainable approach to volunteering.

This role is about more than developing a document. You’ll lead the change needed to bring the framework to life.

You’ll be comfortable navigating a complex organisation, influencing without direct authority and bringing different perspectives together. You’ll challenge existing ways of working, solve problems and turn ideas into practical solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.

What you’ll do.

• Lead the project from planning through to implementation and evaluation.
• Review current volunteer engagement practices and develop evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
• Design the framework, including service models, governance, measures, risk controls and continuous improvement.
• Engage Council teams, volunteers, community organisations, government and sector partners to shape the framework and build support for change.
• Coordinate project teams and provide advice to leaders on project delivery, change and process improvement.
• Establish project governance and reporting to monitor progress, risks, outcomes and benefits.
• Lead implementation and support teams to adopt and embed new ways of working.

Read theposition statementand learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You’re an experienced project professional who can navigate complexity, influence others and turn ideas into practical, measurable outcomes.

You’ll have demonstrated experience leading business improvement or organisational projects from planning through to implementation, with the ability to build strong relationships, manage competing priorities and lead change.

You will bring:

• Qualifications, or equivalent experience and qualifications, in a relevant discipline such as Project Management, Business, Business Administration or a related field.
• Proven experience delivering business improvement or organisational projects with measurable outcomes in a complex corporate environment.
• High-level project management skills, including project planning, risk management, benefits realisation, change leadership and implementation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and written skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders and work effectively across diverse and cross-functional teams.
• Sound knowledge of business improvement methodologies, continuous improvement principles and project governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes aligned with organisational objectives.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand complex technical or business issues, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical solutions that support informed decision-making.

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

• Competitive salary from $2016.27 to $2343.22 per week plus 12% superannuation
• Lead a project with the opportunity to create lasting organisational change
• Work across Council with diverse teams, volunteers and community stakeholders.
• Make a tangible contribution to strengthening volunteering across Lake Macquarie.
• Be part of a supportive team focused on positive community outcomes.
• Along with many otherperksthat come from choosing Lake Mac!

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you’re joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Leanne McPherson, Community Engagement Officer - Leasing on 4069 0223 or via ***************@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Georgina Green Talent Attraction Partner, 4921 0495 or via ***********@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're here for you!
• Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.