• Location: Ashburton, Victoria
• Hours: 21 hours per week
• Employment type: Permanent, with a 6-month probation period
• Classification: Neighbourhood House and Adult Community Education Centres Agreement 2024, SCHADS Level 6

About Alamein

Alamein Neighbourhood & Learning is a not-for-profit neighbourhood house located in Ashburton, opposite Alamein railway station. We provide adult education, community support, wellbeing, leisure and social connection programs for people living in Ashburton, Glen Iris, Ashwood and surrounding areas.

Established in 1976 and incorporated in 1984, Alamein has strong links to the local public housing community and continues to support people experiencing social, economic, health, educational or other barriers to participation.

Alamein is governed by a voluntary Committee of Management. The Executive Officer leads the day-to-day management and operation of the Centre.

About the role

We are seeking a practical, capable and community-minded Executive Officer to lead the operation, management and development of Alamein Neighbourhood & Learning. 

This is a broad leadership role suited to someone who can manage people, programs, compliance, finances, partnerships and centre operations in a small not-for-profit environment. The Executive Officer works closely with the Committee of Management to implement approved strategies, policies, budgets and decisions, while ensuring the Centre remains safe, welcoming, inclusive, compliant and financially sustainable.

The role leads staff, tutors, volunteers, programs, community development activities, administration, facilities, partnerships and reporting obligations.

Key responsibilities

The Executive Officer will:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Centre, including staff, tutors, volunteers, programs, administration, facilities and public-facing services.
• Support the Committee of Management with timely reports, papers, advice and operational information.
• Manage day-to-day financial administration, including budgets, financial information, grant tracking, audit preparation, acquittals and liaison with the bookkeeper, Treasurer, auditor and Committee.
• Ensure essential financial reporting and administration continues if the Treasurer position is vacant or temporarily unavailable.
• Maintain compliance with funding, reporting, audit, safety, privacy, child safety, records management and governance requirements.
• Lead, supervise and support staff, tutors, contractors and volunteers.
• Build a positive, inclusive and collaborative team culture through regular communication, staff meetings, consultation and support.
• Lead community development activities that respond to local needs and strengthen participation, inclusion, learning and connection.
• Build and maintain relationships with residents, community organisations, government agencies, funders, local businesses and community networks.
• Manage room hire, suppliers, contractors and partnership arrangements transparently and in line with approved policies, delegations and conflict of interest requirements.
• Identify and complete grant applications, submissions and service agreements.
• Escalate significant operational, financial, compliance, workforce or safety risks to the President and Committee.

About you

You will bring a strong understanding of the not-for-profit sector and the ability to manage the day-to-day operations of a community organisation.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience in a not-for-profit, neighbourhood house, community centre, Learn Local, incorporated association, charity or grant-funded community service environment.
• Ability to manage people, programs, administration, compliance, finances, risk and service quality.
• Understanding of community development, adult community education, social inclusion and place-based service delivery.
• Strong people leadership skills, including recruitment, induction, supervision, workload management, performance development and support for staff, tutors and volunteers.
• Experience with funding obligations, reporting, acquittals, quality systems, audit preparation and compliance requirements.
• Sound financial management skills, including budget monitoring, financial report interpretation, cash flow awareness and grant tracking.
• Understanding of not-for-profit governance and the respective roles of the Committee of Management, Treasurer, Executive Officer, staff and external advisers.
• Strong administrative, organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to identify, manage and escalate operational, compliance, financial, workforce and safety risks.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse communities, including people experiencing barriers to participation. 

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Community Development, Social Sciences, Business, Health Promotion, Education or a related discipline are required.

Highly regarded

The following experience would be well regarded:

• Experience with ACFE / Learn Local, DFFH, local government or similar grant-funded programs.
• Experience using Xero or similar accounting software.
• Experience using VETtrak, Microsoft 365 or similar administration and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of ACNC, Victorian incorporated association and funding body reporting obligations.
• Experience working with volunteers and vulnerable community members.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.

Next steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview in person or online via Microsoft Teams. Applicants will be asked to disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

For more information, contact Janine Saligari, Executive Officer on 03 9885 9401 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

See attached full position description (attached) for essential and desirable Selection Criteria.