* Reports to:Committee of Management
* Location:On-site at Neighbourhood House, with some local travel as required
* Conditions:Six-month probation
* SCHADS Award Community Development Worker Level 7
Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre is a vibrant, inclusive centre that offers a diverse mix of opportunities for members of Moonee Valley community to connect and learn – bothatits premises in a leafy street in Flemington, and through its extensive network of courses offered across Moonee Valley.
With our long-term Centre Manager to retire in early 2026, we are looking for an enthusiastic, experiencedperson to step into the role and build upon the remarkable work being done by our team of staff, volunteers and supporters.
Positionoverview
The Centre Manager leadsthedevelopment andoperationsof the Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre to achievethepurpose of providing belonging and connection to people in our community.
Leadinga diverseteam of staffand volunteers while maintaining productive relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders,the Centre Managerensures Farnham Street isresponsive to local needs, iscompliant with funding and regulatory requirementsand achieves the goals set out inourstrategic plan -FSNLC-strategic-plan-2025-27.pdf
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic and Operational Management
* Implement and evaluate progress against both the strategic and annual action plans.
* Ensure compliance with service agreements and legal obligations.
* Support the effective governance of the organisation through support for, and regular reporting to, the Committee of Management on progress, risks, and outcomes and identify opportunities for enhancement.
* Oversee risk management and organisational policy development.
2. Financial and Funding Management
* Proactively seek, secure and retain funding in line with the priorities in the strategic plan.
* Prepare and manage annual budgets in collaboration with the Centre’s Treasurer, supported by the Centre’sBookkeeper.
* Complete all reporting required by funding bodies in a timely and accurate manner.
* Maintain accurate financial records and oversee audits or reviews, including the periodic selection of external auditors and other external advisors.
* Ensure cost-effective and compliant operations.
3. Program and Service Delivery
* Lead the design, development, promotion, and evaluation of programs and services that meet community needs, having regard for existing programs within the catchment and identified/emerging gaps.
* Ensure program quality, accessibility, inclusion, and alignment with strategic goals.
* Oversee events, festivals, and community initiatives.
4. Human Resource and Volunteer Management
* Recruit, supervise, support and develop staff, tutors, and volunteers.
* Conduct inductions, performance development, and team meetings.
* Ensure compliance with industrial agreements and all other workplace related obligations.
* Lead a positive team culture that recognises and celebrates achievements and supports continuous learning.
5. Community Development and Advocacy
* Apply community development principles to promote participation, empowerment, and inclusion.
* Foster a welcoming and inclusive space for all community members.
* Identify and address local needs, especially for marginalised groups.
6. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders including local councils, funding bodies, and community organisations.
* Represent the House in relevant networks (e.g. NHV, regional house networks).
* Foster collaboration across sectors and levels of government.
7. Facility and Risk Management
* Manage the Centre’s facility, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure safety and functionality.
* Ensure ICT hardware and software are fit for purpose and record keeping and data security comply with legislation and funding body requirements.
* Oversee space usage, maintenance, and contractor relationships.
Key Selection Criteria
* Qualifications in Community Development, Social Sciences, Education, or related field, or extensive relevant experience.
* Demonstrated successful experience in leadership and management in a community organisation or similar setting.
* Strong understanding and practical application of community development principles.
* A track record in securing funding and financial management including budgeting and grant reporting.
* Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, including report writing and conflict resolution.
* Ability to engage and work with diverse groups, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and those experiencing disadvantage.
* High-level administrative, organisational, and digital literacy (e.g. Microsoft suite, financial software, social media).
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a volunteer-based Committee of Management.
Other mandatory requirements
* Must hold a current Driver’s Licence
* Working with Children Check, and Police Check
* First Aid and Food Safety Certificates (or ability to readily attain)
* Knowledge of Child Safe Standards and safeguarding practices
What attributes would our ideal candidate have?
* Flexibility and adaptability – able to juggle multiple priorities and adapt plans and approaches to changes in the local and/or funding environment
* Empathy and kindness – able to connect with a diverse mix of people with varied life circumstances, encourage and support inclusion, and communicate in ways that ensure people feel valued and respected
* People centred – genuinely committed to fostering positive and valued relationships with staff, volunteers and other supporters; to improve the lives of, and opportunities for, people in our community
* Organised and purposeful – able to see projects, programs and activities through to completion; able to clearly describe and measure the outcomes sought and organise appropriate resources to achieve them.
* Strategic and pragmatic – able to see the wood for the trees; to make considered judgements about how to best use time and resources; and to bala
* Technology savvy – comfortable working with commonly used programs and platforms, and able to support the effective and safe use and timely renewal of technology in ways that support achievement of the FSNLC strategic plan.
Applications close: 10:00 PM GMT, 25th Nov 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr