Program Manager

time left to apply End Date: September 17, 2025 (23 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR104837

• $118,169 + super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Permanent Full Time Contract
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we're building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose .

The Darwin Sobering Up Shelter (DSuS) provides people aged 18 and over who are impacted by alcohol and other drugs, sleeping rough and at risk of harm with a safe place to sleep at night. NT Police and Larrakia Nation Night Patrol transport people from across the greater Darwin region, where they are met with culturally respectful support and engagement. In the morning, the DSuS team provide people with breakfast, laundered clothing and referrals to services that support their health and wellbeing.

As Program Manager, you will lead, manage, and develop a dedicated team to deliver high-quality, compliant services in a complex and fast-paced environment. This is an on-site position, managing a 24/7 service with a team of up to 20 staff, including casuals. You will oversee budgets, staffing, rosters, compliance, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement, ensuring the DSuS meets its contractual obligations.

Participation in an on-call roster is required every four to six weeks.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the DSuS team to deliver high-quality and a contractually compliant, people-focused service.
• Oversee staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
• Manage budgets, expenditure, and financial compliance requirements.
• Ensure service operations meet KPIs, compliance standards, and funding guidelines.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with funders, stakeholders, NT Police, NT Health, Larrakia Nation, and other community service providers.
• Support frontline staff and ensure culturally sensitive and respectful interactions that contribute to people's health and wellbeing.
• Coordinate staff scheduling rosters for a 24/7 service.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and maintain consistency across service delivery.
• Adopt a culturally safe service that considers the physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing of First Nations people.

Requirementsfor Success

• Relevant degree with experience or associate diploma with substantial experience in a similar setting.
• Minimum 2 years' leadership experience, including managing people, budgets, and compliance.
• 4–5 years' experience in alcohol and other drug (AOD) services.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practices (TCI desirable).
• Comfortable working with vulnerable people who are impacted by alcohol.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and decision-making under pressure.
• Proven ability to deliver outcomes in a complex service environment.
• First Aid certification is desired but not essential.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you're making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay )
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

Our Culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you're skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

How To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, click 'apply' and send your application today

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you

Mission Australia is a national Christian charity motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive.

Since 1859, we've been standing alongside people in need across Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact.

Backed by our supporters, churches, partners, and funders, we work together for the long-term wellbeing of anyone who needs us, reflecting our values of respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration.

We collaborate with people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to tackle the root causes of their challenges through providing access to safe, affordable homes and innovative, evidence-based support services.

Every day we deliver homelessness crisis and prevention services, provide social and affordable housing, assist struggling families and children, address mental health issues, fight substance dependencies, support people with disability and much more.

Mission Australia believes a person's circumstances shouldn't define their future and that given the right support, everyone can reach their full potential.

That's why we stand together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves.