POSITION DESCRIPTION

Riding for the Disabled Association of Alice Springs (RDAAS) is a voluntary based, not for profit organisation that provides opportunities for anyone with a disability or additional support needs to enjoy safe, healthy horse-related activities with recreational, social and therapeutic benefits. RDAAS conducts programs and development activities for employees, volunteers and participants.

RDAAS is a member of Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia Ltd, which is Australia's peak national body representing equine assisted activities for people with disabilities that provide therapeutic benefits, fitness, life skills development, opportunities for achievement. RDAAS aims to provide more Central Australians with a disability, the opportunity to be more active, more often!

The Centre manager:

The Centre Manager (CM) is appointed by and reports to the Board/Management Committee reporting through to the Chairperson. The CM will be responsible for the strategic direction and the overall management of the activities and services of RDAAS along with providing leadership to a small team.

The CM is tasked with engaging key internal and external/industry stakeholders, establishing partnerships, sponsorships and funding avenues that provide for the financial sustainability of the organisation, advocating for the community it serves.

This role encompasses accountabilities across the development programs, policies and procedures suited to the needs of its community, while running the day-to-day business operations of the organisation. This will involve the management and development of all human and financial resources, as well as the provision of the strategic planning and implementation frameworks necessary to meet RDAAS’ objectives.

Responsibilities:

The CM will has full accountability across the management and delivery of outcomes across the following areas:

• You will be required to fulfil the obligations in accordance with the work level standards for a Senior Manager, lead and drive enabling functions that support RDAAS, you are expected to demonstrate an ongoing focus on leadership and successfully respond to emerging business challenges as they arise
• To establish the delivery of the strategic objectives inclusive of people, programs, and revenue streams.
• To develop, lead and manage the administrative operations and financial delegations/responsibilities of RDAAS.
• To be the chief change manager around objectives, strategies, and to drive the effective information mechanisms of RDAAS.
• To be accountable for the development of RDAAS through formal strategic planning processes with the Board/Committee and wider RDA stakeholders (employees, volunteers, participants and their supporters) and deliver solutions and recommendations to the Board/Committee.
• Establish and maintain work optimisation framework across administrative functions and associated resources – including but not limited to; budgeting across, employee expenses, training, IT, travel, professional expenses, grants, riding programs and community stakeholder engagements.
• To oversee and manage the operations of RDAAS – policies, procedures organisational programs – contributing to the development of a professional and caring environment for all stakeholders.
• To represent RDAAS in its compliance and regulatory obligations including stakeholder relationships with Government, other authorities, Boards, or organisations including grant bodies, local schools and disability services providers, individual participants and families, sponsors and donors.
• To prepare operational reports and discussion papers to the Board/Committee and RDAAS Members as required.
• To develop and maintain an organisation that aligns work practices with all workplace health and safety obligations underpinned with respects in supporting the rights, interests and expectations of the members, its staff, and stakeholders.
• To maintain, monitor consistently review the effectiveness of the organisational structure to ensure the success of all functions of RDAAS.
• To be directly responsible for the general management of all aspects of RDAAS between the Board/Committee and staff, members, administration, government departments, and other relevant organisations and peak bodies

Leadership

• To implement, monitor and report on the progress of RDAAS relative to Key Performance Areas as agreed to by the Board/Committee.
• To carry out Risk Assessment and Management activities with the Board/Committee to ensure emerging issues are anticipated, prioritised and managed.
• While the Board/Committee oversees and holds accountability of matters of major policy and directs the long-term development of RDAAS, the CM will actively participate with the Board/Committee Members in developing, establishing, and implementing plans and policies for the advancement of the organisation.
• To attend all meetings of the Board/Committee and play a prime role in developing and execution of policy recommendations.
• To facilitate the decisions of the Board/Committee and to serve as the official channel of communication to and from the Board/Committee with all other associated stakeholders
• Management of RDAAS including responsibility for delivering and the efficient administration of all facets of the organisation.
• Provide recommendations to the Board/Committee in conjunction with the Horse Manager and Coach (where applicable) in respect of programs, services, and revenue generation.
• All areas of people management including implementing coaching for performance framework, staff engagement initiatives and performance management
• Including but not limited to; clear position descriptions, agreed key performance indicators regular reviews, coaching and development opportunities, in line with the strategic and operational accountabilities of RDAAS.

Stakeholder Management

• Review existing programs and services in conjunction with the Horse Manager and Coach (where applicable) and the Board/Committee and advising the Board/Committee on future developments to ensure that the interests of RDAAS are promoted, protected and evolved to meet the ongoing and ever-changing needs of the program and cohort.
• Maintain and develop a culture of customer service and quality assurance across the team to maintain and develop RDAAS’ reputation and standing with its members and affiliates, in the disability and broader sports industry and wider community.
• In conjunction with the Board/Committee and the RDAAS staff, develop appropriate strategies and procedures for advancing stakeholder relations.
• The CM will ensure close liaison between RDAAS and:

• Federal and State/Territory Government Ministers, departments and other authorities and their officers.
• Key stakeholders of RDAAS (Volunteers, riders and their support team, local educational and disability providers and other participants, and employees).
• Partners, sponsors and other funding bodies of RDAAS.

Finance and Governance

• Responsible to the Board/Committee for the operational and financial performance of RDAAS.
• Participating in the development of the annual operating budget for RDAAS for recommendation to the Board/Committee and any Sub-Committee set up under instructions from the Board/Committee.
• Ensuring that the financial management of RDAAS is prudent and effective and in compliance with Board/Committee policy budgets and meets budgetary targets.
• Ensuring that RDAAS complies with all requirements of corporation law including the maintenance of records and information systems, and completion of all returns.
• Assist the Treasurer and the Accountant with the preparation of the financial reports and provide input on financial management and policy.
• To prepare comprehensive and relevant Board/Committee reports in a timely manner and maintain appropriate records.
• Ensure that revenue targets are achieved year on year through corporate sponsorship, membership, Government support, Grants, and other streams appropriate to RDAAS.

Marketing and sponsorship

• Understanding or an opportunity to fast-track knowledge around the equine assisted activities, disability sports and events community and ensuring the development of policies to ensure that RDAAS is appropriately represented to support the expectations of the Board/Committee, stakeholders, participants, and members.
• Identification and representation in key meetings, functions, forums, and conferences where RDAAS should be represented.
• Raising the profile of RDAAS and promoting a positive public image.
• Understanding the key drivers of RDAAS’ point of difference by:

• Advocating on behalf of its purpose for the community it serves.
• Gaining support of members and affiliates, partners, sponsors, stakeholders, and Government in achieving RDAAS’ deserved recognition.
• Knowing the appropriateness, time, and place for charitable vs commercial opportunity.

• Understanding the assets available and developing partnership and sponsorship opportunities with appropriate organisations, both commercial and non-commercial, in the interests of RDAAS.

Personal and Professional Skills

The Centre Manager role will require a well-developed range of personal and professional skills, including:

• Strong knowledge in working within the not-for-profit or charitable sector.
• Understanding of or keen interest in learning about the disability or sport industry sector in Central Australia or similar.
• Proven strategic and management skills.
• Strong financial literacy and leadership skills.
• Proven experience in commercial outcomes.
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills.
• Well-developed oral and written communications skills with the ability to communicate to all stakeholders of all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and to create an effective workplace culture.
• Experience in the use of electronic information systems such as database management and computer applications.
• A demonstrated commitment to ethical practices.
• Relevant tertiary qualification is desirable but not essential.
• A Working with Children check.
• A NT Police Records Check.

Hours of Work

This is a permanent part-time position, generally working 24 hours per week between Monday and Friday. Given the unique nature of the industry, weeknight and weekend work will be required from time to time including attendance at conferences and meetings. As this is a salaried position, no overtime or time in lieu provisions are applicable. This can be reviewed/considered as and when required at the Board/Committee’s discretion.

Location

The RDAAS office is located in Blatherskite Park on the outskirts of Alice Springs. It is expected that the CM will reside within a reasonable and manageable travel distance, and work, from the office.

Right to Live & Work in Australian

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to hold the role of Centre Manager with Riding for the Disabled Association of Alice Springs.

Diversity and Inclusion

Riding for the Disabled Association of Alice Springs encourages diversity in the workplace and is inclusive of people with a disability.

Enquiries and applications:

To apply, please submit your resume with covering letter via the 'Apply now' button.

Confidential enquiries may also be directed to the RDAAS Chairperson, Ms Jodie Solczaniuk at [email protected] using the subject line: Centre Manager - Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs.