The Push is looking for an experienced Head of Programs to lead a team of staff who deliver a range of youth music programs and events across Australia.

Reporting to the CEO, this position plays a key role in supporting the organisation to achieve our 2022-2025 Strategy as we begin to expand our reach nationally.

Our dream candidate is a big picture thinker who has experience in leading high performing teams to achieve strategic outcomes, has an extensive understanding of project management processes and is passionate about providing opportunities for young people in contemporary music across Australia.

About The Push

The Push is an Australian youth music organisation and registered charity based in Melbourne. Over three decades we have supported millions of young people with access to contemporary music programs and events.

Our work is guided by our purpose of giving every young person the opportunity to thrive and participate in Australian music.

As an organisation, we believe in our principles of:

• First Nations culture and community are integral to the way we work with young people in music
• Young people are at the centre of everything we do
• We are representative of contemporary Australia
• Our work has impact, and we capture and measure our success
• We are responsive to challenges and new ideas and ways of working
• We work together respectfully and collaboratively towards a common purpose

Position Responsibilities

As Head of Programs, we expect you will:

• Lead a collaborative and high-performing team of staff, overseeing their supervision, performance management, professional development, leave and working arrangements.
• In collaboration with the CEO and Head of Operations, contribute to organisational planning – setting annual targets, budgets and calendar of activities.
• Lead internal team meetings to ensure staff are supported and on track to achieve organisational targets, as guided by The Push 2022-2025 Strategy.
• Manage and monitor the capacity of a team of staff, encouraging crossorganisation collaboration and reflective practice that supports shared learning and continuous improvement.
• Support staff with the development and ongoing monitoring of project budgets in line with board-approved operational budget.
• Undertake regular reporting and acquittals in a timely manner, compliant with funding requirements and obligations.
• In collaboration with the Head of Operations, ensure impact measurement and evaluation frameworks are embedded across the organisation, effectively capturing the outcomes of all programs and events.
• Attend out of hours meetings and events, as required.
• Other duties, as directed by the CEO.

Qualifications, Certificates and Licenses

The selected candidate will need to successfully complete or possess a current:

• Relevant tertiary qualification and practical experience in people management and project management
• Working with Children Check
• Victoria Police Background Check
• Full Australian Driver’s License Key

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in managing staff and leading teams, building a supportive work culture that is high-functioning, motivated and achieves organisational plans and targets.
• Demonstrated high level project management skills and experience, overseeing the development and delivery of projects from inception to acquittal.
• Previous experience in leading financial management processes, including developing and monitoring operational budgets, overseeing financial reporting, auditing and acquittal processes.
• Big ideas to support The Push to achieve our organisational purpose of giving every young person the opportunity to participate and thrive in Australian music.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, upload a copy of your CV and cover letter responding to each of the key selection criteria via The Push website.

The Push is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, or other non-merit factors.

The Push is a child safe organisation, and the preferred applicant will be required to hold a Working with Children Clearance. Additionally, the preferred applicant will be required to undergo a Victoria Police Background Check.

This position is subject to a 3-month performance review.

A position description is attached.