About The Role
Fixed term until May 2026
We're seeking an experienced Volunteer and Student Placement Program Manager to lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the Sydney Royal Easter Show (SRES) Volunteer Program, including the integration of the Show Grown Talent student placement initiative.
This role is key to creating a seamless, inclusive and professional volunteer and placement experience that strengthens guest service and supports operational excellence across the Show.
You'll lead the strategic redesign of the program, oversee recruitment and training, manage rostering and logistics for up to 400 volunteers and student participants, and deliver clear post Show reporting and recommendations.
Why work with us?
The RAS is a dynamic and diverse organisation that delivers one of Australia's most iconic major events the Sydney Royal Easter Show, alongside Sydney Royal Competitions, the RAS Foundation, the Australasian Animal Registry and Sydney Showground. You'll join a purpose-driven team with a proud history and a strong focus on service, community impact and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development & Management
* Lead the redesign and implementation of the SRES Volunteer Program in line with organisational objectives and best-practice volunteering standards.
* Integrate the Show Grown Talent student placement initiative, aligning placements with operational needs.
* Review and recommend volunteer role design, recruitment targets and deployment strategies.
Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
* Build and maintain partnerships with tertiary providers and placement partners (e.g., Youth Up Front, ICMS).
* Collaborate with internal area managers to identify critical roles and workforce requirements.
Recruitment, Training & Development
* Oversee volunteer and student recruitment, screening and interviews.
* Champion the volunteer management system (Better Impact) and ensure data integrity and process discipline.
* Design and deliver onboarding and training (customer service, event readiness, role expectations).
* Support supervisors and managers with performance, recognition and engagement practices.
* Manage the volunteer budget and uniform allocation process.
Operational Delivery (During Show)
* Manage rostering, communications and logistics for up to 400 participants.
* Coordinate the Volunteer Green Room and ensure the right supervision and support structures are in place.
* Respond to operational issues, attendance gaps and performance challenges in real time.
Evaluation & Reporting
* Collect and analyse feedback to inform continuous improvement and program development.
* Prepare post-Show evaluation reports and recommendations for future years.
About You
You're an experienced program leader who can deliver high-volume workforce planning in a fast-paced event environment. You're confident engaging stakeholders, building partnerships and creating positive participant experiences. You lead with inclusivity and professionalism, and you thrive during peak delivery periods.
Essential
Qualifications & Experience
* Demonstrated experience managing large-scale volunteer, workforce or similar programs in an event, hospitality or tourism environment.
* Strong organisational and coordination skills to manage high volume staffing/rostering requirements.
* Proven stakeholder engagement and partnership management experience.
* Experience designing and delivering training/induction programs and supervising teams.
* Sound understanding of WHS and compliance in an event setting.
Desirable
* Tertiary qualification in Event Management, Human Resources or Hospitality.
* Experience working with tertiary institutions and managing structured placements.
* Familiarity with volunteer management systems and rostering platforms (e.g., Better Impact).
Hours & Flexibility
Hours will be agreed with your manager with flexibility. Some weekend and evening work is required, with additional hours in the lead-up to, during and post the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Work Relationships
This role manages a Volunteer Assistant and works closely with the Head of Operations - SRES, internal area managers, and external partner organisations.
Compliance & Checks
* Participation in RAS WHS and environmental programs is required.
* A valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required.
About Us
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) delivers a wide range of educational, cultural and community programs, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Sydney Royal Competitions, Sydney Showground, the Australasian Animal Registry and the RAS Foundation.
Our Values:
Respect | Ownership | Achievement | Honouring our Past | Embracing our Future
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