The First Gens Program Manager will build upon the success of the ygap First Gens Program that supports CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse)-led impact ventures across Australia. The First Gens Program Manager will lead the strategic direction and operational management of the program. The scope of this role will include delivering an experimental new program with a values-aligned partner and exploring additional revenue streams for the program to drive scale. This is a highly entrepreneurial opportunity and is perfect for a candidate who has lived experience in entrepreneurship, program management, workshop facilitation, and product commercialisation.

Key Selection Criteria:

Essential

• Deep knowledge of and passion for supporting CALD entrepreneurs including an informed understanding of the challenges that diverse entrepreneurs face in the Australian business environment

• Demonstrated strategic experience leading the implementation of community-based programs with proven experience in program management including designing, implementing and operationalizing projects in a community setting

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to initiate and drive change

• Experience engaging with and working alongside people of varying backgrounds

• Strong facilitation and co-design skills with the ability to lead workshops and collaborative discussions with a range of stakeholders

• Demonstrated business acumen and confidence in business analysis

Desirable

• Demonstrated knowledge and existing relationships with community organisations, local business and government services that relate to Australia’s multicultural community

• Entrepreneurial experience working with or leading a small business or start up, particularly in relation to product or service commercialisation.

• Experience leading a team and providing appropriate leadership, guidance and management oversight.

• Tertiary qualifications in community development, international development, public policy, social entrepreneurship, or commerce.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

Project Management

• Collaborate with strategic partners to design entrepreneurship support programs for CALD entrepreneurs to achieve shared outcomes (the First Gens Program).

• Manage the delivery of the ygap First Gens Program including recruitment, selections, implementation, and reporting.

• Play an active role in facilitating the First Gens Program including delivering workshops, building an effective entrepreneur support network, providing strategic advice and coordinating support for the entrepreneurs participating in the program.

• Maintain compliance with the organisation’s funding agreements, including completing financial and narrative reports as required by funders, ensure that accurate financial records are maintained.

Product Commercialisation

• Conduct market research to identify and evaluate potential market opportunities to commercialise the ideas, programs, expertise, and experience held by the ygap First Gens Program

• Work with ygap’s Head of Global Programs to manage the piloting of identified potential market opportunities; validating the viability, feasibility and desirability of the particular opportunity and its specific elements.

• Play an active role identifying, engaging and negotiating contracts for product or service delivery with potential value-aligned clients, managing the piloting program to ensure delivery to timeframes and milestones achieved.

Relationship Management

• Foster and develop relationships with a range of stakeholders, including community organisations, local and state government, entrepreneurs, and key individuals.

• Play an active role in cultivating the existing First Gens community, identifying opportunities to strengthen relationships and a sense of community

• Promote awareness of and the achievements of the First Gens Program at a local, national and international level, attending relevant meetings, conferences, forums and other opportunities as an official representative of ygap

Administration

• Lead the ongoing management and strengthening of the ygap First Gens brand

• Oversee the collection of enterprise assessment data for past participants of the ygap First Gens Program

• Maintain administrative systems that ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of ygap, providing ongoing timely and accurate updates of developments.

• Be active in the leadership, development and maintenance of an effective team, taking an active role in supporting members of the ygap First Gens team

• Understand and comply with all relevant legislation and guidelines as they apply to ygap

Time Commitment & Travel:

There may be periodic meetings and events outside of ‘traditional’ businesses hours due to the scope of the program. There may also be some intrastate travel required intermittently throughout the year. While ygap’s global head office is in Melbourne, this is a remote role. However, given the scope of the role, it would be desirable if the candidate was to be based in Victoria.

A position description is attached.