Project Manager

About the role

Reporting to the CEO / Project Lead, the Project Manager will coordinate project delivery across the region and work closely with project staff, contractors, training providers, community organisations, government and other regional partners.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys bringing people together, keeping projects on track and turning plans into practical outcomes.

The position is 0.8 FTE, fixed-term until September 2028.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the Workforce Connect project;
• manage project plans, timelines, milestones and activity schedules;
• coordinate workshops, training pathways, mentoring, peer networks and regional engagement;
• work with project staff, contractors and partner organisations;
• build strong relationships with disability support workers, prospective workers, people with disability, families and regional stakeholders;
• support engagement with training providers and employment pathways, including locally available community services and disability qualifications;
• monitor project expenditure and assist with budget management;
• maintain accurate project records, participation data and evidence of delivery;
• prepare progress reports and briefings for the CEO, Board and funding body;
• monitor risks, outcomes and project performance;
• ensure activities are accessible, culturally safe and responsive to rural and remote communities; and
• undertake regular travel throughout Central West Queensland.

About you

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• experience managing projects, preferably in workforce development, disability, community services, training or regional development;
• strong organisation, planning and time-management skills;
• experience managing budgets, reporting, risks and project documentation;
• the ability to coordinate staff, contractors and external partners;
• excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills;
• strong written and verbal communication skills;
• the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities;
• a practical understanding of rural and remote communities;
• confidence using spreadsheets, shared documents and other common digital systems; and
• a respectful and inclusive approach to working with people with disability, First Nations communities and people from diverse backgrounds.

A relevant qualification in project management, community development, workforce development, business or a related field is desirable, but equivalent practical experience will also be highly regarded.

Desirable experience

Experience or knowledge in any of the following would be an advantage:

• the NDIS or disability support workforce;
• government-funded projects;
• workforce development or vocational education and training;
• independent workers, sole traders or small businesses;
• First Nations engagement;
• community development; or
• working across Central West Queensland.

Mandatory requirements

Applicants must:

• be located in Central West Queensland;
• be willing to undertake regular regional travel;
• hold or be willing to obtain a satisfactory National Police Check;
• hold or be willing to obtain a current Blue Card;
• have the right to work in Australia; and
• hold a current driver licence.

Employment details

Employment type: Fixed-term, 0.8 FTE
Contract: Until September 2028, with potential extension
Classification: SCHADS Award Level 5
Location: Central West Queensland
Preferred commencement: As soon as practicable
Travel: Regular regional travel required
Probation: Six months

About Outback Independent Living

Outback Independent Living is a locally based, community-led not-for-profit working to improve outcomes for people with disability, families and carers across Central West Queensland.

We work across disability advocacy, information and referral, community connection, workforce development and regional capacity building.

The Workforce Connect project responds directly to the severe workforce shortages and thin disability markets experienced across the region. OIL’s regional advocacy material notes that much of the disability workforce operates as sole traders, often with limited access to supervision, mentoring and professional development.

Why join OIL?

This is an opportunity to help deliver a practical, locally led workforce project that can make a real difference to regional communities.

You’ll work across a diverse and geographically large region, build strong partnerships and help create more sustainable pathways into disability support work.

People with disability, family members and carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, current or former disability support workers, and people with strong rural and remote experience are encouraged to apply.