Program Manager

• 2x Permanent Full Time Contracts 
• Location:  Mparntwe (Alice Springs) NT 0870
• $118,169 to $119353 + super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications
• 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 

Based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), these two Program Manager roles offer a rare opportunity to lead impactful homelessness services across Stuart Lodge and the Aherlkeme Development Centre (ADC). Both services provide transitional accommodation and wrap-around supports for individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, with a strong focus on culturally safe, strengths-based practice and successful transitions into stable housing.

Working under the limited direction of the Area Manager, you will lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, contractually compliant services while fostering a supportive, values-led culture. You will balance people leadership, program oversight and stakeholder engagement, while contributing to continuous improvement and effective service delivery across both sites. This is an on-site position, with responsibility for services that operate 24/7 and respond to the complex needs of the local community.

Your Key Responsibilities 

• Lead, manage and develop multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, high-quality and contractually compliant homelessness services.
• Provide effective line management, supervision and performance development, fostering a values-based and culturally safe workplace.
• Oversee day-to-day program operations to ensure 24/7 service coverage, including staff rostering and participation in the on-call roster.
• Ensure achievement of program targets, KPIs and compliance requirements in line with funding agreements and quality frameworks.
• Embed culturally safe practices that support the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of First Nations clients.
• Manage participant data, case coordination activities and reporting within Mission Australia systems.
• Drive continuous quality improvement through regular review of procedures, policies and service delivery methodologies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders across the Alice Springs community.
• Manage program finances, including budget oversight, income and expenditure, and support the Area Manager with reports, MoUs and risk management.

Requirements for Success 

• Significant management experience within homelessness, housing and/or community services, including complex service environments.
• Relevant degree with experience, or an associate diploma with substantial management experience in a community services setting.
• Strong values-based leadership capability, with confidence in case management, assessment processes and staff development.
• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal cultural systems, protocols and culturally safe service delivery.
• Proven ability to lead teams to achieve service outcomes in line with funding, contractual and quality requirements.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight within human services programs.
• Highly developed communication, coaching, negotiation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong organisational skills, adaptability and the ability to lead effectively within a multidisciplinary, 24/7 operational environment.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including: 

• 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.
• Remote location allowances include:
  • Additional $350 each year to help with cost of living in a remote area
  • Access to up to 3 additional days Personal/carers leave each year

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 prioritise 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  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How To Apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

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

For further information and enquires please feel free to contact the Area Manager - Teddy on 0455 029 278

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period.  Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.