Program Lead, Peer Support

Program Lead, Peer Support

Full-time | Hybrid (Sydney based) | Not-for-Profit

Lead a passionate team delivering peer-based programs that empower families and build stronger communities.

About Playgroup NSW

For more than 50 years, Playgroup NSW has supported families and children to connect, learn and belong. As a sector leader in early childhood and community engagement, we deliver inclusive programs that strengthen child development, nurture parent wellbeing and build resilient communities.

Our vision is simple yet powerful, that every child and family has a place in their community to connect, learn and belong.

About the Role

We're seeking an inspiring, people-focused leader to oversee our Peer Support portfolio, including MyTime, a national program supporting parents and carers of children with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical conditions.

As Program Lead, Peer Support, your forward facing role will see you manage the day-to-day operations and delivery of high-quality online and in person programs across NSW and ACT that make a tangible difference in families' lives. You'll lead a supportive, multidisciplinary team and work collaboratively with community partners, funding bodies and other stakeholders to ensure meaningful and sustainable outcomes. So too, this role plays a key role in the growth of our peer support services, supports and resources.

This is a hybrid role, combining time in our Sydney Head Office with the flexibility to work remotely, perfect for someone who values both teamwork and autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

·       Lead, coach and empower a team and valued partners delivering high quality, outcomes focused peer support programs across NSW.

• Model lived experience leadership, drawing on personal and collective experience to inspire hope, connection and growth.

·       Oversee end to end program planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure quality and impact.

·       Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organisations, funders and networks to deliver, collaborate and grow.

·       Maintain accurate budgets, CRM records, data and information, contract compliance and performance, project plans, risk registers and reporting requirements.

·       Provide practice leadership, supervision, coaching and mentoring to develop staff and volunteer capability.

• Develop and deliver training in facilitation, peer support, trauma-informed care, and more.
• Develop relevant initiatives, resources, and events.

·       Drive growth, continuous improvement and innovation across peer support initiatives, including contributing to grant and philanthropy applications and sponsorship proposals.

·       Support policy, research, evaluation and advocacy in relation to peer support and parent capacity building.

·       Represent Playgroup NSW and model values of integrity, inclusivity and collaboration.

About You

You're an experienced operational leader who thrives on supporting people to do their best work. You bring empathy, structure and a genuine commitment to inclusion and family wellbeing.

You'll Bring

·       Proven experience leading teams in community, health or family services.

·       Strong diverse stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills with a consumer centred approach.

·       Experience managing grant-funded or partnership-based programs.

·       Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to facilitate group conversations and build trust.

• Competence in digital platforms, including Microsoft 365 and Salesforce.
• Strong written communication and attention to detail for reports, documentation and consumer-facing materials.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously and cross-functionally within a team.
• A continuous improvement mindset and willingness to support quality standards and data reporting.

·       Relevant qualification (Health, Community Services, Social Science, Social Work, Disability, Early Childhood or related field).

·       Current Working with Children Check.

Desirable

·       Experience with MyTime or similar peer support programs or lived experience of disability or diversity.

·       Lived experience of disability, and a desire to use this experience to support others.

·       Salesforce CRM experience.

Why You'll Love Working with Us

·       Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

·       Supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven team culture.

·       Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

·       Competitive salary under the SCHADS Award, including salary packaging access.

• Employee assistance program EAP for health and wellbeing

·       Additional leave for play days and birthday leave.

·       Monthly lunch and learn series for all employees.