Area Manager

The key duties of the position include:The Role
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) is committed to empowering Defence families through a range of services and programs that promote resilience and community integration.
DMFS assist ADF families to navigate the unique challenges of military life.
DMFS is looking for a motivated professional people manager to fill the role of Area Manager in our Richmond/Hunter Office.
Area Managers lead multidisciplinary teams, which comprise of Defence Social Workers, education specialists who support the children of military families, Family Liaison Officers, who assist with community engagement, administrative staff and Military Support Officers.
Together the team deliver individual and program-related support to Defence families, including bereavement support.
Area Managers work with Australian Defence Force (ADF) Command and key stakeholders to facilitate a range of critical assessments.
These assessments assist Commanders in making decisions with available capability, manage e affects and enhance Defence families' self-reliance.
The Area Manager role is based at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, and will be required to travel to Richmond, New South Wales on a regular basis.
The role is accountable for the delivery of the DMFS suite of nationally consistent programs, including management of social work services, critical incidents and community engagement.
About our Team
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Branch assists ADF members and family to balance the demands of military service with personal and family commitments.
DMFS provides a broad range of individual and program related services which remediate unique family challenges such as periods of absence, mobility to take up postings while managing their children's education and wellbeing, and connecting with the community.
Our Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic, highly skilled people manager, motivated to support Defence families.
Defence Member and Family Support serves all branches of the military – Navy, Army and Air Force.
The candidate should be capable of fostering self-reliance in families and enhancing their engagement with community resources.
You will manage a workforce that consists of APS, ADF and contracted staff.
We welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a diversity of lived experience, to grow a service that reflects the diversity of the modern ADF members and their families.
We are seeking applicants who possess:
High-order communication and coordination skills.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
An ability to work independently in alignment with our defined strategic direction and are confident communicating expected outcomes.
Strong people skills and can lead a high performing and cohesive team.
Strategic thinking and are adaptable and open to change/continuous improvement.
Integrity, sound decision-making and judgement in providing expert policy advice.
The ability to engage in complex problem solving and issues management.
Area Managers are required to:
Engage with, and respond to, the needs of ADF Commanding Officers and assist them to support and manage ADF members under their command.
Form positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, communicate with influence to maintain productive relationships and achieve business outcomes.
Think strategically and make evidence-based decisions under pressure.
Manage military, APS and contracted staff in line with relevant workplace agreements, provisions and policies.
Manage complex procedural, operational, administrative and business management activities that support the delivery of outcomes across Defence.
Plan, lead and manage a range of human and physical resources within budget allocation.
Exercise appropriate financial responsibilities to achieve business outcomes.
Develop and implement work plans, set performance indicators, and review individual, team and business performance, focusing on identifying opportunities for building team capability and continuous improvement.
Manage workflow and work quality according to Commonwealth and Defence policy.
Set work duties that align with the strategic objectives and communicate expected outcomes.
EligibilitySecurity Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Baseline Vetting" level.
Getting to know the Department of DefenceThe Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees.
Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job.
Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work.
Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few.
We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce.
To find out more about a career with Defence please visit