Walking Program Officer, ACT

Heart Foundation Group; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous NFP salary packaging

12 weeks paid parental leave

Wellbeing programs and initiatives

Job summary

Heart Foundation Group in Canberra is seeking a part-time (0.8) Community Program Coordinator to lead the Walking program across the ACT. This role involves engaging with local communities and developing health promotion initiatives that support older adults to stay active and healthy.

The ideal candidate will have a genuine commitment to community work, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in health promotion. The position offers flexible working arrangements, allowing for a mix of remote and office work.

Qualifications

• Experience in health promotion or community programs.
• Strong people skills and ability to engage with diverse communities.
• Experience working with volunteers or community networks.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Heart Foundation Walking program across ACT.
• Grow local walking groups and increase participation.
• Support and build relationships with volunteer coordinators.
• Facilitate events and activities to engage participants.

Skills

Health promotion

Community engagement

Strong interpersonal skills

Program planning

Education

Relevant qualification in public health or related field

Job description

About Us – Have a Heart for Change!

At Heart Foundation, we believe everyone deserves a healthy heart. Heart disease is one of the nation’s leading causes of death, and since 1959 we’ve led the fight through research, support, and prevention. Be part of our mission to make heart health achievable by everyone in Australia by 2050.

This role is a maximum term part-time (0.8) position ending 30 June 2027, with flexible hybrid working arrangements from the Canberra office.

How You Can Make a Difference

This is a people-focused, community-based role where you’ll help more Australians get active through walking. You’ll lead the delivery of our Walking program across ACT, building strong relationships with volunteers, community groups, local organisations and participants—many of whom are older adults looking to stay active, social, and connected. It’s a role for someone who enjoys being out in the community, can engage people from all walks of life, and is motivated by creating simple, practical ways for people to improve their health. Your work will directly support people to move more, feel better, and reduce their risk of heart disease. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly, blending your time between home and the Canberra office.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deliver the Heart Foundation Walking program across the ACT in line with the national model
• Grow local walking groups and increase participation through community engagement, promotion and local partnerships
• Support and build strong relationships with volunteer Walk Organisers and Local Coordinators
• Facilitate local events, engagement activities, and initiatives to recruit and retain participants and volunteers
• Monitor program performance and provide reports to internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to national campaigns and share local insights, stories, and content
• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to support broader physical activity and health promotion initiatives and work closely with the NSW Walking program officers and support engagement in southern NSW regions if needed
• Experience engaging priority populations, with the ability to tailor your approach for communities such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, CALD communities, and people in lower SEIFA areas

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in health promotion, community programs, or physical activity initiatives
• A genuine interest in working with and supporting older adults and community groups
• Strong people skills—you’re approachable, engaging, and comfortable building relationships
• Confidence communicating with a range of stakeholders, including facilitating groups and events
• Experience working with volunteers or community networks
• Ability to plan and deliver programs with clear outcomes and measurable impact
• Understanding of diverse communities and a commitment to inclusive practice
• Relevant qualification (or equivalent experience) in public health, physical activity, or a related field

Why Join Us?

At our heart, we are driven by purpose. Every day, we make a meaningful impact through our work, and we are committed to supporting our employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse, safe, and inclusive workplace. We actively seek to represent the communities we serve and recognize the invaluable skills, knowledge, and perspectives a diverse team brings. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals from all backgrounds and abilities.

What We Offer

• Generous NFP salary packaging to help you make the most of your earnings.
• 12 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers.
• Flexible work-from-home options – up to 50% of your week.
• Diversity Council Australia recognised inclusive workplace where your contributions are supported and valued.
• Additional gifted leave during the Christmas shutdown period.
• Wellbeing programs and initiatives to support your personal and professional growth.