Head of Learning and Development

National Disability Services (NDS) is Australia's peak body for disability service organisations. Representing 1,000 members across Australia, we are Australia's biggest and most diverse network of disability service providers. Our valued members collectively operate several thousand services for more than 300,000 Australians with disability and employ a workforce of more than 100,000 people.

NDS has a strong and influential presence in every state and territory across Australia. Our core functions are to advocate to government for sector-wide changes and improvements, to inform our members about issues that impact them, and to provide resources and services that assist them to deliver sustainable high quality support services for people with disability.

NDS employees have the passion to make a difference, are driven to deliver the highest quality support and services to our members and thrive in an environment of positive change and continuous improvement.  To find out more about NDS, please visit our website at 

About the Role:

Location: Parkville, Melbourne

Working Arrangement: Hybrid (1 day in the office per week)

Hours: Full-time, 38 hours, 5 days per week

Status:Permanent

Industrial Instrument:Non-Award

An opportunity exists for an experienced and visionary leader to shape and grow NDS's national Learning and Development (L&D) offerings in alignment with our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.

The Head of Learning and Development will lead the design and delivery of high-quality, innovative learning products and services that support disability organisations to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. This role will ensure offerings are responsive to member needs, aligned with NDS Policy and Advocacy initiatives, and contribute to a sustainable and inclusive disability ecosystem. By embedding a member-first culture and leveraging technology and data, the role will maximise impact and revenue opportunities while strengthening sector capability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and execute a forward-facing L&D strategy and implementation plan aligned to NDS's strategic pillars, that reflects sector transformation, member diversity and emerging technologies.
2. Lead the NDS Learning and Development team, ensuring the structure and skillset of the team can successfully deliver against the L&D strategy.
3. Champion professional development and capability building across NDS and member organisation.
4. Operational oversight of L&D activities, including training needs analysis, course design and delivery, logistics and evaluation.
5. Lead the budget and financial planning to ensure offerings are cost effective and financially viable. Monitor performance metrics and be compliant with reporting.
6. Build and foster new partnerships with content and workshop providers to ensure a broad and diverse suite of quality learning products and services are available for purchase from the L&D practice.
7. Provide support and advice to NDS staff related to learning and development opportunities in funded projects.
8. Stay abreast of sector trends, policy developments and technological advancements.
9. Represent NDS and members on working groups as required

Skills & Experience:

1. Minimum 8 years' experience leading L&D teams/programs, preferably within the community care sector.
2. Excellent leadership and team management skills.
3. Strong strategic thinking and planning capabilities.
4. Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver innovative learning solutions and instructional design.
5. Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets.
6. Experience in leading commercial and partner negotiations with external parties.
7. Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills
8. Demonstrated ability to proactively maintain collaborative networks with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
9. Strong relationship management and influencing skills, including the ability to interact at the Executive level.
10. Proficiency with the MS Office Suite and LMS platforms
11. Understanding of the disability sector and its regulatory environment.
12. Willingness and capacity to travel independently
13. A tertiary qualification in a related discipline and/or appropriate learning and development training and qualifications

What We Offer:

• Flexible working opportunities
• Salary packaging benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Staff Rewards & Discounts program
• Learning and development opportunities

To Apply:

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage all applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQ and culturally diverse communities to join NDS.

NDS is committed to supporting equal employment opportunities for individuals with disability and will provide reasonable workplace adjustments.  We encourage potential applicants with lived experience to contact NDS to discuss any questions regarding individual workplace adjustments.  NDS also provides adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise via or and indicate your preferred method of communication (email or phone).

Applications close: 16 September 2025. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your Skills & Experience in the areas listed above by clicking on the Apply button.   For further information please contact   Please do not send your application to this email address, as it's for enquiries only.

The successful applicant must be prepared to undertake a pre-employment police check.

No agencies please.