Program Manager

Join the Polly Farmer Foundation as a Program Manager – Follow the Dream

Make a real impact. Empower Aboriginal students. Join a passionate team.

At the Polly Farmer Foundation, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. As a Program Manager, you'll lead and support our Follow the Dream Primary and Secondary programs, working closely with schools, communities, and partners to help Aboriginal students achieve their goals.

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple Follow the Dream programs.
• Build strong relationships with schools, communities, and stakeholders, including government, corporate, and philanthropic partners.
• Identify and grow partnerships that support student success.
• Support Program Coordinators and school staff to deliver culturally responsive, high-impact learning experiences.
• Promote family and community engagement in education.
• Manage program operations, budgets, and reporting.
• Share best practices and contribute to continuous improvement across the Foundation.

What You'll Bring

• We're looking for someone passionate about education, culturally responsive, and ready to lead with purpose. To be successful in this role, you'll bring:
• Experience working with Aboriginal students, families, and communities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage programs, people, and budgets.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset.
• A current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain) and a valid driver's licence.
• Proficiency with IT systems and digital tools
• Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A recognised teaching qualification is highly desirable. However, applicants with qualifications and experience relevant to the expectations of the role can be considered for the position.
• Hold or be willing to undertake a National Police Check.

Why Join Us?

• Work within a supportive, purpose-driven team to help shape the future for young Aboriginal people across Australia.
• Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
• Enjoy a generous salary packaging arrangement, including up to $18,550 tax-free on a range of benefits such as mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation, or other everyday living expenses, plus additional benefits like novated leasing, self-education, and superannuation.
• 12.5 days of personal leave
• 4 weeks of annual leave plus two weeks additional "bonus" annual leave (6 weeks)
• Opportunities to grow your cultural competency and leadership skills.

Selection Criteria

• Experience working with Aboriginal students and communities, with a strong understanding of how to support their educational success, wellbeing, and aspirations.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deliver results.
• Proven ability to manage people and budgets, ensuring programs run smoothly and resources are used effectively.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, partners, and community organisations.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity, with a commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal families and communities.
• Analytical and innovative thinking, with a track record of contributing to program improvement and exploring new ways to enhance student outcomes.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. The Polly Farmer Foundation is committed to increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our workforce. In line with this commitment, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position. While this vacancy is open to all applicants, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and, if found suitable, will be given priority for appointment.