Senior Project Lead - Volunteer Framework

Lake Macquarie City Council; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 92,000 - 107,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Supportive team culture

Community impact

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking a Senior Project Lead to develop and implement its new Volunteer Framework over a 12-month term. The role covers planning, stakeholder engagement and governance, turning ideas into a practical framework that strengthens volunteering across the Council.

You will work across Council to map current practices, engage staff, volunteers and partners, and drive a sustainable, measurable approach to volunteering with change leadership and governance oversight.

Qualifications

• Qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as Project Management, Business or related field.
• Proven experience delivering business improvement or organisational projects with measurable outcomes.
• High-level project management skills including planning, risk management, benefits realisation and change leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills to influence stakeholders.
• Knowledge of business improvement methodologies and project governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project from planning through to implementation and evaluation.
• Review current volunteer engagement practices and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Design the framework including service models, governance, measures and risk controls.
• Engage with councils, volunteers and partners to shape and support change.
• Coordinate project teams and advise leaders on delivery and process improvement.
• Establish governance and reporting to monitor progress, risks and benefits.
• Lead implementation and support teams to embed new ways of working.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Business)

Job description

Senior Project Lead - Volunteer Framework

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 new Volunteer 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 the position statement and 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 other perks that 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

• If you’re a project professional who knows how to navigate complexity, bring people together and turn a plan into action, we want to hear from you. Apply by midnight, Sunday 11 October 2026.

• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Leanne McPherson, Community Engagement Officer - Leasing on 4069 0223 or via email **********@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

• For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Georgina Green Talent Attraction Partner, 4921 0495 or via email ******@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!

• To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.

• 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.