• Passionate and skilled Christian leader with entrepreneurial vision for drawing Christian communities into positive social engagement
• Experience in leading complex community service organisations
• Rewarding opportunity to lead an impactful not-for-profit organisation providing multidisciplinary welfare and community
• support services
• 4.25 days per week. Monday to Thursday normal office hours with some additional weekend work representing the organisation
• SCHADS Award Level 7 starting salary
• Based in Telopea & Epping

ABOUT US

Hope Connect is a not-for-profit organisation and a ministry of Epping Church of Christ, motivated by the love and compassion of Jesus for all people (www.hopeconnect.org.au). For over 50 years Hope Connect has been providing support to the local community and those who may be experiencing vulnerabilities. We are looking for a capable and mission aligned leader to join us.

The organisation provides a variety of community welfare services to people in the communities of Telopea, Dundas, Ermington, Rydalmere and parts of North Parramatta and Carlingford. The range of services includes Family Support, Supported Playgroup, Intensive Family Preservation along with Parenting Programs. Hope Connect also operates a No Interest Loan Scheme, Material Aid and a Community Shed.

We believe a respectful and inclusive work culture is essential to achieving our mission. We strive to cultivate an environment where each individual feels supported and appreciated.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Community Initiatives (DoCI) will be responsible for overall leadership and management of Hope Connect Inc ensuring its mission, vision and goals are met. The DoCI will work closely with the Management Committee to develop and implement strategic plans and oversee the operational management of the organisation. 

We are seeking a dynamic leader who is highly motivated, strategic and passionate in making meaningful social impact. This position is instrumental in driving positive outcomes for all clients and responsible for ensuring services meet policy, contractual and legislative

standards. The DoCI reports to the Hope Connect Management Committee, on all financial matters including the operation of all funded and non-funded services, professional performance and volunteer engagement

Hope Connect is currently exploring new opportunities for community engagement and will be encouraging and connecting volunteers from the church communities to support and deliver them. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the strategic plan to drive better alignment with Epping Church of Christ as well as the organisation’s mission and values.
• Operational and Program Management: Oversee the operations of the organisation, ensuring programs are delivered to high-quality standards and meeting all legal, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Financial Oversight: Manage development budgets, financial reporting, and contract negotiations to ensure cost efficiency and value.
• Leadership & Team Development: Mentor and lead the team of both staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration, and ensure that performance goals are set and regularly evaluated.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with Epping Church of Christ, peak bodies, funding bodies, government agencies, community leaders, partner organisations and donors.
• Risk & Compliance Management: Identify and mitigate program risks while ensuring compliance with regulations and organisational policies.
• Management Committee Relations: Work closely with the Management Committee, keep them informed of organisational performance, risks and strategic developments.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Demonstrated ability to lead a Christian organisation requiring all staff to align with and uphold its values
• Tertiary qualification in Business Administration/Nonprofit Management or a relevant field
• Proven leadership/executive experience in the child, youth and family services sector or a closely related field
• Strong corporate governance, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of social justice, children and family support services, the relevant regulations, and expected outcomes
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and fundraising to ensure the sustainability and growth of the organisation
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop and manage a high performing team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, community organisations and funding bodies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey the organisation’s mission and goals
• Experience in leading and implementing organisational change to adapt to evolving community needs and trends

DESIRABLE SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• Experience in successfully drawing Christian communities into positive social engagement
• Postgraduate qualifications in Business Administration/Social Work or equivalent
• Experience in working with a Management Committee/Board of Directors
• Experience and proficiency in developing funding applications for services

If you have any further questions or wish to get a copy of the full job description, then please call Guy Collishaw on 0432 894703 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Director of Community Initiatives - Telopea / Epping enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Click Apply Now to submit your application.

The successful candidate will require the right to live and work in Australia, have a current working with children check and Federal Police checks and also hold a current NSW Driver’s Licence.

Please note applications should be provided on or before the closing date. If you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.