Community Development Manager

• Permanent Full Time| 35 hours/week
• Location: Macquarie Park and Camperdown
• Salary: $103K + Super + NFP Salary packaging benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Mission Australia Housing provides social and affordable housing to vulnerable Australians ensuring they have access to good quality housing that enables people to participate in their communities

Are you a dynamic, strategic leader with a passion for community development? Mission Australia is seeking an energetic and community-focused professional to join our team in Macquarie Park and Camperdown. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by empowering communities through our Strengthening Communities model, embedded within a community housing context.

In this pivotal role, you’ll work collaboratively with residents, stakeholders, and service partners to build community capacity, foster inclusion, and drive positive social change. You’ll lead initiatives that support wellbeing, resilience, and connection, while championing Mission Australia’s values and vision. We’re looking for someone who thrives on collaboration, brings innovative thinking to complex challenges, and is committed to creating safe, supportive environments where individuals and communities can flourish.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Work with residents, their surrounding community and internal and external stakeholders to apply a high level of knowledge and skills to achieve results in delivering community development
• Implement a range of community development programs across Mission Australia’s Housing portfolio, Camperdown and Macquarie Park
• Develop, deliver, and report on an annual budget to support the plan
• Support residents to build skills, develop leadership and increase knowledge
• Plan and facilitate ongoing opportunities for all residents to engage with each other respectfully and meaningfully on their housing journey to independence
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities (including grants and partnerships) to support the implementation and expansion of community development initiatives
• Develop a strategic plan for partnerships in line with Mission Australia’s Partnership and Strengthening Communities Framework

Requirements for Success

• Tertiary qualifications in community development, social work or a related discipline
• Experience in consultation, conflict resolution, facilitation, partnership development and project management
• Demonstrated experience working with and for communities in a self-reflective and creative way that facilitates community self determination
• Exceptional planning and development expertise with high level project management and accountability skills
• Strategic stakeholder partnership development and management, including with government
• Ability to network and develop effective working relationships at all levels of the community
• High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills – able to influence and collaborate across internal teams and with external partners.
• Strong project and change management skills, with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Drivers licence with no restrictions

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, referee checks, and WWCC.  

Your benefits  

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference  
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay) 
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave

Our culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.    

We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. 

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We Strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

How to apply   

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you