• Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Role
• Convenient CBD office in Sydney’s vibrant Barangaroo
• Flexible working with additional ‘Play Days’ throughout the year

About The Company

Playgroup NSW supports and delivers a range of strengths-based programs and services to its 53,000 member families, including but not limited to: Universal community volunteer led programs; Targeted early intervention and preventative programs specifically for children and families experiencing vulnerabilities, and for children with a disability and their carers; Programs and services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse families; Perinatal mental and parent/child mental health programs; Intergenerational programs including older Australians; and a range of digital and face to face events and engagements. 

Playgroup NSW has evolved over its 50 years, to collaboratively deliver social impact - for children, families and communities, including older Australians. The organisation is focused on collective impact - through program innovation, strategic partnerships and co-design of programs and services.

Playgroups and related services are a fundamental community building block, creating vital social networks in which children, parents, grandparents and carers play together, share knowledge and experiences, connect, and grow stronger as a community. Nationally, there are Playgroup organisations in all states and territories delivering around 200,000 sessions per year.

At Playgroup NSW our people are at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on our inclusive and engaged organisational culture. We are driven by our values, demonstrate them in our work and in our relationships and encourage them across our membership and in all our activities.

Our Values are to:

Be child centric: Children are at the heart of our work.

Lead change: Seek and encourage learning, innovation, and greater positive impact.

Act with integrity: Be honest, accountable and show respect.

Work smart, play often: Be goal focused, mindful of people's wellbeing and enjoy work.

About The Role

The Program Development Manager, Diversity & Inclusion is a new position, created in response to the expansion of our programs, services and impact focused on diversity, disability and inclusion. This leadership role will help us to enhance positive outcomes for families and communities. Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for leading and operationalising the Programs & Quality business plan for multiple Programs, with a commitment to achieving positive diversity and inclusion outcomes. With support from the Programs and broader business function, you will also contribute to the development and implementation of Diversity and Inclusion strategies across the organisation. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Program/Project Management/Leadership & People Management

• Develop programs and implementation plans for existing programs and new programs.Types of programs and services in the Diversity & Inclusion portfolio include supported playgroups, peer support programs, organisation and program wide diversity and inclusion services; and other backbone and referral services for families with children with disability or developmental delays and for families experiencing inequality or special needs.
• Develop and implement strategies that will create an inclusive environment to support children and families with disabilities and/or developmental delay to participate in community playgroups.
• Develop inclusion training and resources for playgroup staff, volunteers, and community playgroup participants to build the capacity for inclusive practice in community.
• Review current organisational inclusion practices to identify learning gaps and opportunities for further development.
• Manage, train and develop team members to deliver Program outcomes.
• Role model the Vision and Values of the organisation and inspire the Playgroup NSW team.
• Produce reports for the leadership team and Board on program implementation progress and outcomes.
• Suggest project management process improvements periodically (currently managing projects and team projects using Monday).

Partnerships, Quality & Service Delivery

• Work collaboratively with partners to champion the importance of Playgroup in the early years to improve outcomes for all children and families, particularly those experiencing inequalities.
• Identify and work with existing and new sector partners to broaden reach of targeted services.
• Collaborate with peak disability and other related organisations and promote the benefits of playgroup outcomes for children, families, and community, particularly those experiencing inequalities.
• Develop knowledge through expanded partnerships to improve frameworks, programs and services.

Governance & Compliance

• Contribute ideas to and delivery of the implementation of Playgroup NSW Strategic Plan and the Business Plan.
• Provide support to Community Leaders who, as appropriate, support playgroups and related services in relation to relevant legislation, funding contracts and reporting requirements.
• Reporting on funding deliverables, including reporting to government through government portals.
• Child Safety & Wellbeing – guide, coach, and support staff to build foundational knowledge of child safety and wellbeing, learning and development, with the understanding that the child is at the centre of everything that we do.
• Adhere to Commonwealth and State legislation, as well as all internal policies and procedures and promote team adherence.

Financial Management

• Develop program/project budgets in consultation with Program Managers/Leads, Program Innovation Manager, Partnerships Manager and Finance (as appropriate).
• Profit & Loss monthly reporting (identifying strategies to manage any deficit situation and opportunities for strengthening program and quality delivery).
• Manage direct reports to deliver on budget and to adjust accordingly.
• Support Leadership team with all reporting requirements, including those relating to government funding and portal submissions and program evaluation, and acquittals.

Selection criteria includes:

• Degree in relevant field – mental health, community services, disability and inclusion, allied health or early childhood and/or demonstrated working experience and knowledge.
• Minimum of 5 years demonstrated leadership, budget planning, and financial management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading, motivating, training and supporting teams to deliver quality programs and services.
• Sound understanding of Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice.

• Advanced program management experience in diversity and inclusion, parental/child wellbeing, community development, volunteer programs, early childhood services or similar.
• Project management experience, including the use of digital platforms to manage planning and delivery.
• Risk Mindset – Ability to proactively identify, act, and advise on current and future risks.
• Strong sector connections – including early childhood, disability, government, peak bodies, local health etc.
• Well-developed time management, facilitation and organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate, network and influence stakeholders from varying social contexts, and other professionals within the field.
• Strong computer literacy with sound ability in the use of Office 365 including PP, Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint.
• Experience in report writing and the preparation of other professional documents for a variety of audiences and purposes.
• Working with Children Check verification letter to present on commencement (essential).
• Evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination mandatory.

Please note, we encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability, and from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you share our vision and want to help make a positive difference to children in NSW, please submit your application by clicking below. You will be required to attach a cover letter addressing how you fulfil the selection criteria outlined above and a copy of your resume.