• Lead a program supporting indigenous youth leadership skills development
• 2 Year contract role to September 2026
• Adelaide based (Hybrid work flexibility)

This position is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified role. To perform this role, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the applicant is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent pursuant to an exemption under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA).

As a national, independent charity, every day we work with thousands of children and their families to help them unlock better futures for themselves. Our work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities aims to keep children, families and communities engaged in learning by providing positive educational experiences, opportunities to grow life skills and access to role models. Every year we support over 16,020 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children on our Learning for Life Scholarship.

About our role

We are seeking a passionate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person to drive and manage the successful operation of The Smith Family’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP). The IYLP supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students living in remote or very remote areas of Australia to attend a high performing secondary school complete Year 12.

In 2024 The Smith Family supported approximately 280 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to participate in the program. More details on our IYLP Program can be found here.

This is a 2-year contract role reporting to the General Manager - South Australia & Northern Territory.

Key responsibilities:

• Communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities, understanding their unique needs and aspirations.
• Lead and manage the IYLP team, including Support Officers, Admin and Events Officer, and Casual Mentors.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including IYLP students, families, alumni, education partners, and corporate partners.
• Manage the program’s budget, including event budgets, scholarship payments, and student support funding.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of events and program activities to ensure a high standard of service for all participants.
• Maintain compliance with organisational policies, including child safety and financial management frameworks.

Skills and Experience

As well as a passion for community, you will bring the following:

• Strong understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities, and contemporary issues.
• Proven experience in developing, managing, and delivering complex programs, ideally within a social purpose or community-focused organisation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflicting priorities, work independently, and make sound decisions.
• The ability to travel to intrastate and interstate locations on a regular basis. License required with access to a vehicle.
• Experience in budgeting, financial management, and compliance with organisational policies, including child safety.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and proficiency in using standard office software.

Benefits

The Smith Family has employees at the centre of its values and operations. By joining our team you can expect to:

• Find balance; with flexible work options and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave
• Maximise your take home pay; with salary packaging, as well as opportunities to save with discounts at retailers across the country
• Fulfill your potential, with excellent career opportunities, a suite of development programs and a dedicated learning and development platform
• Feel you belong; with inclusive leave options, including paid parental, cultural and gender affirmation leave
• Thrive with support for you and your family’s mental and physical health with a complete care and safety platform with unlimited Employee Assistance.

If you are passionate about what you do, committed to make a difference and this sounds like your next role, please click Apply Now, we’d love to hear from you.

You may view the position description attached.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a National Police Check and a Working with Children’s Check.