Position Title: Programs & Events Manager
Area(s): Programs & Events
Positions directly reporting to this role: 3 roles: Programs Lead, Events Lead, Programs & Events Officer
Positions indirectly reporting to this role: The role is responsible for liaising with volunteers, casual employees and consultants on an as-needed basis.
Terms: Full-time employment. 12-month period with the possibility of extension.
Hours: 35 hours per week plus reasonable additional hours as required
Location: NYSF Office, 56 Mills Road, The Australian National University, Canberra. Interstate travel is likely to be required to support NYSF programs and events, especially during January and school holiday periods.
About the National Youth Science Forum
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a not-for-profit charity that delivers transformative STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experiences for young Australians. Established in 1984, NYSF's flagship program—the NYSF Year 12 Program—brings together students from across the country who are passionate about science and technology, offering them hands‐on learning, exposure to world‐leading researchers, and access to cutting‐edge facilities. Through immersive events, industry engagement, and peer networking, NYSF inspires participants to explore diverse STEM pathways and make informed decisions about their future careers.
The NYSF enjoys a high level of engagement in the Australian community and receives support from a significant number of funding partners, including its founding partner, Rotary. The NYSF also works with a wide range of academic institutions, private sector companies, government organisations, individual subject matter experts, and volunteers.
The NYSF engages a range of permanent and contract employees. Casual staff are also engaged during times of surge in our workload, particularly to support the delivery of the NYSF Year 12 Program. The NYSF is supported by an active and highly regarded Board and Patrons, with each member selected for their formal expertise and outstanding achievements. A copy of the NYSF's current strategic plan can be found at https://www.nysf.edu.au/who-we-are/vision-mission/
About the Role
As the Programs & Events Manager, you will bring strong leadership and management capability to lead a team responsible for the coordination, design, evaluation and delivery of a range of STEM-oriented education programs and events for young people.
You and your team will coordinate internal and external stakeholders across a range of organisations and sectors to support the successful planning and delivery of programs and events. You will work closely with STEM subject matter experts, partner organisations, and volunteers to ensure programs and events are engaging, well organised and aligned with NYSF's objectives.
As the Programs & Events Manager, you will have responsibility for ensuring programs and events are delivered on time, operate effectively and are managed within approved budgets. The role contributes to program planning, reporting and evaluation, and works closely with the Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COO/CFO) and CEO to support the delivery of NYSF's organisational strategy.
Effectively leading and managing the Programs & Events team to ensure it is running efficiently is a key part of the role. You will contribute to NYSF's continuous improvement and change. As with all roles at the NYSF, you will also be responsible for promoting a healthy and safe workplace, modelling and promoting ethical behaviour and practices in accordance with the NYSF's Code of Conduct and the NYSF's National Child Safety Code of Conduct and Procedures. A link to NYSF Policies and Procedures, for which this position will oversee, can be found at https://www.nysf.edu.au/policies
Key responsibilities
Lead and manage the Programs & Events team, including the Programs Lead, Events Lead, Programs & Events Officer, volunteers and casuals, to ensure they work collaboratively as a team and deliver high‐quality programs and events.
Oversee the coordination and delivery of the NYSF's STEM outreach education programs and events, ensuring activities are well organised, delivered on schedule and operate within approved budgets.
Manage the design and development of program and event content in consultation with key stakeholders, partners and subject matter experts.
Ensure all Programs & Events team members, casual staff and volunteers understand and comply with relevant operational, child‐safety, risk‐management and human resource policies and procedures.
Support organisational risk management processes, including participating in quarterly risk management meetings and ensuring risk management practices are implemented for programs and events.
Provide regular updates, reporting, and operational information to the COO/CFO to support organisational planning, risk management and reporting requirements.
Monitor Programs & Events expenditure and provide financial information and forecasts to the COO/CFO as required.
Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of policies, procedures, processes, documents and tools to inform program and events design and management.
Work collaboratively with the management team to support the implementation of business initiatives, strategies, and improvements.
Ongoing compliance with all NYSF policies and procedures.
Demonstrate, promote and ensure NYSF's Values (shown below) are at the core of the Program & Events Team culture.
Provide day‐to‐day leadership to team members through the allocation of work, delegating, coaching, timely and constructive feedback, and performance management.
Communicate and engage the Programs & Events team regarding their understanding of the purpose and importance of their work for the achievement of organisational goals.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and partners.
Promote workplace safety, equity and diversity, and effective environmental practices in the workplace.
Contribute positively to organisational culture and teamwork across NYSF.
Other duties as directed or necessary to help the NYSF achieve its objectives and strategic plan.
Selection Criteria
A tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Education or Project Management, Program or Event Management.
Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in leadership roles.
Track record of successfully developing and implementing operational plans.
Demonstrable ability to manage a team and projects within budget.
Experience in developing and nurturing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
Experience and ability to professionally lead and manage a team, including setting and managing performance to organisationally aligned goals, coaching/motivating employees to achieve required performance standards, and leading a team through changes to processes and systems.
Able to work during school holiday periods and outside of standard hours of operation as required.
Able to travel interstate to support NYSF programs and events.
This role interacts with minors and as a result, current 'Working with Vulnerable People' and 'Working with Children Checks' and a police check are required for states where NYSF delivers programs and events. Likewise, NYSF staff and volunteers are required to undergo regular First Aid & CPR training. All regulatory checks are covered by the NYSF.
Experience in producing STEM or STEM Education outreach programs.
Experience working in a STEM environment or have STEM qualifications.
Experience working in a not-for-profit environment.
NYSF Values
Communicate with integrity and openness.
Be honest when communicating with colleagues.
Tell the truth proactively and where concerns or issues arise, provide constructive feedback directly to the other people involved in a timely manner.
Appropriate sharing of information and decision rationales so colleagues understand the "why" but always ensure required confidentiality is maintained.
Foster trust and inclusive collaboration.
Communicate respectfully; debate ideas, not people.
Break down silos, welcome diverse views and support flexible work.
Drive clarity, accountability and results.
Set clear goals, roles, timeframes and approval paths; document agreed actions.
Monitor progress, reprioritise early and own outcomes for the whole organisation.
Champion wellbeing, kindness and compassion.
Promote work/life balance, encourage timely use of leave and respect privacy.
Resolve conflict with curiosity and empathy; step in to help colleagues when needed.
Recognise people and their achievements.
Let people know when they have done a good job. Tailor feedback to individual preferences.
Celebrate team successes.
Leaders should provide timely feedback, coaching and growth opportunities to lift performance.
How to Apply
Applicants should provide the following:
An up-to-date CV with contact details of at least two referees, one of which should be the current/most recent employer.
A cover letter of no more than three pages, including a statement to explain how the candidate suits the role. Applications should be sent via email to nysf@nysf.edu.au and must be received by Monday, 23rd of March 2026.
Your application will include the following questions:
* How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
* Are you willing to relocate for this role?
* Are you available to work outside your usual hours when required? (e.g. weekends, evenings, public holidays)
* Do you have experience working in the not‐for‐profit sector?
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