Manager Community Development

About the Role

The Manager Community Development provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Community Development and Minibus Programs. Using an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the role leads the development, delivery and evaluation of initiatives that strengthen community capacity, foster social inclusion, and support thriving, connected and sustainable communities across the ACT. Operating under limited direction from the Executive Director Community Services & RTO, the Manager Community Development exercises managerial responsibility and sound judgement in leading the Community Development, Minibus and Volunteer Programs. This includes stakeholder engagement, contract management, and partnership development to ensure community initiatives align with organisational priorities.

The Manager provides expert advice, analysis and recommendations to the Executive Director and relevant organisational stakeholders on community development strategy, emerging community needs, program performance, commissioning and funding opportunities, service improvement and matters of operational complexity. Working collaboratively with the Manager Community Programs, the Manager Community Development supports an integrated approach to strengthening community wellbeing and social inclusion across the ACT.

Duties

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of Community Development, Minibus and Volunteer Programs, initiatives and partnerships to achieve community, organisational and contractual outcomes.
• Provide leadership, supervision and support to the Community Development & Minibus team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Build, maintain and leverage strategic relationships with residents, community organisations, businesses, government and sector partners, representing Communities at work and negotiating outcomes within delegated authority.
• Oversee program compliance, quality, risk management, reporting and continuous improvement activities.
• Manage program budgets, resources and performance to maximise community impact and sustainability.
• Working under limited direction from the Executive Director Community Services & RTO, identify and pursue growth opportunities, including grants, tenders, commissioning processes and strategic partnerships, to expand and strengthen Community Development programs and services.
• Work closely with Executive and broader organisation in the planning, development and delivery of innovative and sustainable initiatives across Communities at Work’s programs and services.
• Exercise delegated authority for the Community Development, Minibus and Volunteer Programs, establishing operational procedures, setting work area outcomes, monitoring performance and ensuring delivery of organisational, community and contractual objectives.

What We Need From You

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in community development, community services, social sciences or a related discipline, together with relevant experience
• Proven experience leading, developing and managing staff and volunteers, including performance management, coaching and capability development
• Demonstrated skills developing and implementing community engagement and capacity building activities with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, resources, assets and funded programs, including monitoring performance against operational and financial objectives
• Demonstrated experience in governance, risk management, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement within a community services environment
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for innovation, service growth and improved community outcome
• A strong understanding of Asset Based Community Development principles and practices
• Current driver’s licence
• Current Working with Vulnerable People card

Desirable

• An understanding of the ACT Government Commissioning process and ACT funding models
• Experience working within a community hub or similar integrated service model
• Experience using data and client feedback to improve services and demonstrate community impact

Benefits for You

• Make a difference and change lives in the Canberra community as part of Canberra's largest community organisation.
• Join an inclusive and friendly workplace, where people are at the heart of everything.
• Enjoy healthy living with our active lifestyle & healthy activity programs and reimbursements (including remedial massages, annual flu vaccination and more).
• Receive guidance and support for mental health through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Accrue paid leave - 14.5 days sick leave and 20.5 days annual leave per year (pro-rata for part time).

How to Apply

Click APPLY and ensure to include a current resume and a maximum two-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria. Please contact the HR Services and Recruitment team on 6293 6200 for a confidential discussion.

Applications close on 11 October 2026.

We reserve the right to close the job early once the position has been filled.

Communities at Work encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, mature-aged workers, people with disabilities and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles.