About this Role

This senior leadership role is responsible for leading and implementing our Down Syndrome NSW Programs and associated operations. This includes strategy, service delivery, as well as day to day management and growth of our team, which includes volunteers.

Down Syndrome NSW aims to provide awareness and education, opportunities for social connection and participation, and programs for institutional change to better support people living with Down syndrome across all life stages. At present, we run the following programs, which are at differing stages of maturity:

• Social participation and upskilling programs that run NDIS activities across youth, teens and adults. These activities include school holiday workshops, social participation activities, capacity building, camps, overnight trips, playgroups and more.
• Inclusion and support – providing best practice advice, support and referrals to our membership base, as well as the wider community.
• Capacity building workshops and education programs (both online and face to face).
• Schools upskilling and capacity building.
• Education system advocacy and training.
• Employment connections.
• Congratulations Initiative - providing in service training and resources to health experts on Down Syndrome, as well as providing support to parents of babies with Down syndrome.

A sound working knowledge of how to apply NDIS service delivery, price guide and compliance into broader programmatic settings is essential. Also central to this role is exceptional program management skills, organisation, administration, demonstrated budget acumen, high level reporting and tracking, and evaluation. The successful candidate will possess the ability to be flexible, think on their feet and provide enriching experiences for our wide range of members. This role would suit someone with operations manager, day program, social program or camp management experience, as well as acumen to implement new programs. This role is our advisor on how to practically implement programs in line with the NDIS, and is to be across all NDIS price guide options and developments.

Managing, motivating and growing our Programs Team, as well as our team of facilitators and volunteers with energy and passion is key.

This is a hands-on role, where you will thrive in the operational implementation of our programs where required, attend programs and events, as well as maintain strategic oversight of the programs portfolio as a whole. This is an opportunity to make your mark on an innovative, growing business.

Role Responsibilities

• Management, execution and oversight of the Programs portfolio and related NDIS and other funding, encompassing social programs, further education programs, health programs, early years programs, employment program and capacity building.
• Maintain day to day engagement in programs across weekdays and weekends (programs, camps) to ensure effective operation and high quality delivery, including staff and volunteer engagement and rostering.
• Development of fact sheets, tools, resources and information to support participants to engage in the program and to build capacity.
• Management of all NDIS pricing, invoicing, interactions and legislative requirements and compliance.
• Manage budgets and approve financial transactions across the programs portfolio, including contract management.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders and build positive relationships to further the advancement of Down Syndrome NSW Programs and organisation, including but not limited to people with Down syndrome, their families, carers and stakeholders including venues and program partners.
• Provide reports, statistics, attendance records and trend data in relation to programs to inform continuous improvement and growth.
• Engage in innovation, business development and strategies for the growth and financial sustainability of our programs area.
• Monitor, manage and report on emerging issues and risks regarding delivery of programs and funding requirements.
• Be responsible for operational staff and programs compliance (including Child Safety Standards and NDIS Compliance) and provide guidance on processes, policies and improvement on ways of working.
• Staff and volunteer recruitment, engagement and management in collaboration with HR.
• Support the mission and goals of Down Syndrome NSW, which includes occasional attendance at events outside of working hours.

Essential Criteria

These criteria must be addressed individually as part of your application. Applications that do not address each criteria will not be considered.

• Commitment to the principles of participation and inclusion of people with disability.
• Demonstrated experience in and passion for planning, executing and evaluating high quality programs, services and capacity building, in person and online.
• Exceptional working knowledge of the NDIS, in particular compliance, documentation, price guide, invoicing, flexible use of funds and opportunities for future growth.
• Exceptional relationship building skills, particularly with people with Down syndrome, their families and carers, as well as program partners to leverage opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, successfully implementing new programs/services in line with organisational strategy by leading the details, framework, execution.
• Demonstrated experience in developing resources, articles and fact sheets, information, skills development.
• Exceptional time management, attention to detail extraordinaire, administration skills, ability to work fast, be agile to changing priorities and be a self-starter.
• A current driver’s license and comprehensively insured car.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• WWCC Clearance.
• NDIS Worker Screening Clearance.

Desirable criteria

• Experienced in Microsoft Dynamix CRM and Humanitix / EventBrite.
• Tertiary qualifications in health, social sciences, human services or related discipline.

What We Offer

• This role is 3-5 days per week, flexible to suit the right candidate and balances program management with program delivery. Monday – Wednesday are core days plus additional days as negotiated. Many of our activities occur on the weekend, with this role playing an oversight role.
• Remote Working from Home, with monthly face to face meetings in Parramatta / Sydney CBD. As this role is managing our programs, there will be face to face at our various program activities, camps etc.
• Salary packaging (which can add up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per year)
• We offer a strong commitment to your professional development, personal development and mental health.
• Join an incredibly supportive and creative team environment, working alongside other highly talented professionals who strive for greatness every single day.
• We love what we do, we are a tight team and we go over and above for each other and our great organisation. We are keen to add another passionate and energetic person to our team!
• Acceptance of the position involves a willingness to work within the philosophies and policy directions of Down Syndrome NSW.

Please note we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews as we receive submissions - so don't delay!

If you have any questions please contact Jessica Dallender-Jones, COO via [email protected] using the subject line: Operations and Programs Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.