• Support communities rich in cultural diversity
• Unlock pathways to inclusion, connection, learning, work, and justice through our flagship Neighbourhood House, legal, family and education programs, and our work with others
• Embed community development and co-design in everything we do

Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd (operating as commUnity+) is a multidisciplinary community organisation that has provided services across Melbourne’s greater north and west regions for more than 40 years. We engage with communities rich in cultural diversity and are committed to empowering those who need help the most by unlocking pathways to learning connection, work and justice.

We enable positive change and growth for people through a range of prevention and early intervention programs including Community Education, Family Services, Legal Services (through Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre), Neighbourhood House and community engagement and development activities.

We partner with government agencies and community, corporate and philanthropic organisations to enhance our service delivery and increase access to our services for our community.

About the position

Reporting to the Director Client and Community Services, the Community Development Manager (CDM) is a leadership role at commUnity+ that enlivens our mission to transform lives through inclusion, participation, fairness and justice, and belonging.

The CDM will play a leading role in strengthening community engagement across all commUnity+ programs, facilitating and managing the organisation’s community development initiatives, and managing the Neighbourhood House program. The CDM will lead the embedding of community development and codesign in everything we do.

Strengthening connections with and within our communities and helping shape a more integrated community sector to better support our communities are ambitions that the CDM will play a significant role in.

This position will be primarily based in Deer Park and is available as a two-year full-time position with possibility as an ongoing position with the opportunity to work flexibly.

Key success factors

• Community engagement and development strategy, planning and implementation
• commUnity+ Neighbourhood House
• Community development programs, initiatives and activities
• Community and stakeholder engagement
• Measuring progress and impact

Key Selection Criteria

• A Tertiary qualification in Community Development, Social Work or other relevant fields.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal for a variety or audiences and purposes
• Strong leadership skills to effectively lead and manage staff, volunteers and contractors
• Experienced community development and engagement leader and practitioner, including knowledge of the Neighbourhood House practice framework, and experience in designing and implementing effective community engagement strategies
• Experience in program design, budgeting, implementation and evaluation, experienced facilitator
• Ability to innovate and influence change
• Ability to set priorities, monitor workflow, follow and give direction, maintain deadlines, exercise initiative and judgement in changing environments.

• Ability to work autonomously, while maintaining connection and communication with staff, colleagues and stakeholders

Experience in grant-writing, fundraising and sponsorship, proficiency in language/s in addition to English, and qualifications and experience in project/program management will be advantageous.

Some work outside of ordinary hours including occasional evening and weekend work is part of this role.

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Salary packaging benefits up to $18550
• Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives and leading community sector employee provisions and benefits including progressive leave entitlements
• 40% off Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre (BAWC) membership
• Career development opportunities
• Supportive and Inclusive team
• Free parking at Deer Park and Keilor Downs sites

commUnity+ is a child safe organisation that is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people and protecting them from harm. Applicants must hold a valid Working with Children Check and Police check or the ability to obtain the same.

To apply online, simply click on the Apply now button.

A copy of the Position Description can be found here: Community Development Manager

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Nim Peiris on [email protected] using the subject line: Community Development Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs or call 0434 705 465.

A position description is also attached.

community+ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply