Lead Strategic Change and Community Impact

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Ovens Murray region. Our work is guided by principles of self‑determination, cultural respect, community leadership and improved wellbeing for Aboriginal families and communities.

We are seeking someone who is passionate about making a difference in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply, and those from the wider community who demonstrate skills, connections to, and experience working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

As Director Programs, you will play a critical leadership role within our Executive Leadership Team, driving the strategic vision and operational excellence of MAC's community and social programs. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will strengthen program effectiveness, build leadership capability, and contribute to meaningful outcomes that support Aboriginal communities.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director Programs will lead a significant portfolio of services, providing executive oversight of program performance, service quality, workforce capability, compliance and continuous improvement. The role works closely with program managers, senior leaders, community stakeholders and funding bodies to ensure services remain culturally safe, effective and responsive to community needs.

A key focus of this role is strengthening leadership capability across the organisation, supporting emerging leaders and ensuring programs achieve their intended outcomes while maintaining compliance with funding, legislative and quality standards

Key Responsibilities

As Director Programs you will:

• Provide executive leadership across MAC’s community and social programs portfolio, ensuring services align with organisational strategy, community priorities, Aboriginal self-determination principles, and Board-endorsed objectives.
• Drive program excellence and organisational performance through the oversight of service quality, funding outcomes, governance frameworks, risk management, compliance obligations, and continuous improvement initiatives across a diverse service portfolio.
• Lead, mentor and develop Program Managers and emerging leaders, fostering a high-performance culture that strengthens leadership capability, workforce sustainability, succession planning and organisational resilience.
• Champion strategic innovation and transformational change, identifying opportunities to improve service delivery models, organisational effectiveness, community impact and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure organisational compliance and accountability by maintaining oversight of legislative, regulatory, contractual and funding requirements, while supporting strong governance and informed decision-making across the organisation.
• Provide strategic oversight of program performance and outcomes, utilising data, evaluation frameworks, quality indicators and evidence-based practice to inform decision-making and drive measurable community impact.
• Cultivate and strengthen influential partnerships with government agencies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, sector leaders, funding bodies and key stakeholders to advance organisational objectives and community outcomes.
• Identify and lead strategic growth opportunities, including funding acquisition, service expansion, innovation projects and cross-sector collaborations that enhance organisational sustainability and community benefit.
• Provide high-level strategic advice and executive reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, contributing to organisational planning, risk management, policy development and achievement of corporate objectives.
• Promote and embed culturally safe, trauma-informed and community-led practice, ensuring all programs deliver high-quality services that reflect Aboriginal cultural values, strengthen community outcomes and uphold MAC’s commitment to self-determination.

About You

You are an experienced senior leader with a strong background in community and social programs, ideally within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. You have a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, drive service quality and continuous improvement, manage complex program portfolios, and build strong relationships with community, stakeholders and funding bodies. You are committed to Aboriginal self-determination, culturally safe practice and achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in community services, health, human services, social services, government, not-for-profit and/or Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), with responsibility for program performance, workforce leadership and service quality.
• High-level knowledge of contemporary best-practice approaches in community services, social programs, integrated culturally safe service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Proven experience leading audits, service reviews, quality improvement processes and the implementation of resulting action plans.
• Demonstrated capability to lead, coach and develop managers and teams, with a strong focus on workforce capability, leadership development and succession planning.
• Experience in program evaluation, outcomes measurement, data analysis and the use of evidence to inform service improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience in budget oversight, funding performance monitoring, acquittals and compliance with funding, contractual and legislative requirements.
• Highly developed communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across executive, management and operational levels, as well as with Aboriginal communities, government agencies and funding bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight in a complex service environment.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Community Services, Social Work, Public Health, Management or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated capability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

Desirable:

• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Experience working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).

Mandatory Requirements

• Current Driver’s Licence
• Working with Children Check (VIC)
• National Police Check
• Pre-employment Health Declaration
• Relevant tertiary qualification in a related discipline

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make a significant impact on Aboriginal community outcomes across the Ovens Murray region.
• Executive leadership role within a respected Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
• A culturally strong, values-driven and supportive workplace.
• Opportunity to influence strategic direction, service innovation and organisational growth.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

• Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, plus generous salary packaging benefits.
• Opportunity to work closely with Elders, community leaders, government agencies and sector partners.

Important Information

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation is a Child Safe Organisation with zero tolerance for child abuse and a strong commitment to ensuring children are safe, happy and empowered. We strongly uphold out child safety policies and procedures.

We are committed to cultural safety and inclusion for Aboriginal children, families and community, as well as people from diverse backgrounds and identities.

.Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

next steps

If you are an experienced and values-driven leader who is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and driving excellence in community service delivery within an Aboriginal-led organisation, we would love to hear from you

Please click the 'Apply Now' button below to apply via Ethical Jobs.

Ensure you include your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, addressing the Key Selection Criteria.

Email [email protected] using the subject line: Director Programs - Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation - Wodonga enquiry via EthicalJobs and we will answer any questions and provide a Position description

Or for a confidential discussion please call our WorkBetter HR team on 02 6009 1000.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.