Head of Strategy and Projects

Posted: 21/08/2024

Closing Date: 06/09/2024

**Job Type**: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Ballarat, 219 Mair Street

Job Category: Executive & Strategic Management

**Who is are-able?**

We have been deeply embedded in local communities for over three decades, transforming lives and fostering connections as WDEA Works. We are embarking on an extraordinary journey, introducing a new identity, **_are-able, _**a new name with the same great support.

are-able, built on the solid foundation established by WDEA Works, continues to provide diverse services for the unique needs of individuals, businesses, and communities. We are unwavering in our commitment to 'do more for more people in more communities'. are-able is dedicated to breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating an environment where all individual's abilities are not just acknowledged but deeply valued and nurtured. We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and we are looking for employees who share these values and can contribute to our inclusive work environment.

**Why choose to work with are-able?**

are-able has been recognised as a Winner of The Australian Business Award for Employer of Choice. We promote a positive team culture underpinned by the values of respect, empathy, integrity, and innovation. We look for employees with a genuine passion for those in need who can participate in our high-performing culture.

In return for your valued contribution, we offer:

- Ongoing training and professional development
- Family-friendly organisational culture with true work-life balance
- Attractive salary packaging
- Me Days - 4 additional leave days per year
- Gifted leave over the Christmas holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Company-issued laptops and mobile phones
- Use of fleet cars - no need to use your own car or to pay tax on a company car

are-able seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to fill the pivotal role of **Head of Strategy and Projects**. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role is instrumental in shaping and driving are-able’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with our vision to create opportunities for inclusiveness in communities.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead strategic planning, governance, and project management efforts, ensuring alignment with our mission and growth objectives. You will also oversee key functions, including IT, Risk, New Business, and Quality, driving innovation and continuous organisation improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead the development and execution of are-able’s strategic plans.
- Oversee governance frameworks and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Manage critical projects, ensuring timely and within-budget completion.
- Provide IT, Risk, and Quality managers leadership, aligning their functions with organisational goals.
- Identify and develop new business opportunities to expand are-able’s services.
- Oversee the Tender Writer, ensuring that all tender submissions align with are-able’s strategic objectives and meet the highest quality and compliance standards.

**Desired Skills and Experience**:
We are looking for a seasoned leader with a strong strategic planning, governance, and project management background.
- Proven experience driving and executing strategic initiatives at an executive level, with a track record of aligning business objectives with long-term goals.
- Expertise in governance and compliance, including developing and managing governance frameworks and ensuring legal and regulatory standards adherence.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet strategic and budgetary objectives.
- Leadership experience managing and mentoring cross-functional teams, including IT, Risk, and Quality.
- New business development acumen, with the ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities that align with organisational goals.
- Excellent stakeholder management, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- A Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, or a related discipline, with additional qualifications in strategic leadership being highly regarded.
- Cultural competency and a commitment to diversity, ensuring services are delivered inclusively and sensitively across diverse communities.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker passionate about making a tangible impact in the community through leadership and innovation.

**The Feel-Good Parts**

If you’ve read this far, you already know that are-able is a community-focused not-for-profit organisation, but what does that mean?

At are-able, the organisation's profits return to the communities we serve. We give back through the are-able Foundation, donations, and sponsorships; we genuinely believe in supporting our community. Since the beginning of the are-able Foundation in 2004, we have given back over $1 m