* Lead strategy, growth and government engagement across key social services.
* Drive sustainable funding, governance, tenders and partnerships for impact.
* Influence reform and elevate Opendoor's voice as a trusted sector leader.
Opendoor is a leading Victorian not‐for‐profit empowering people to achieve confidence, capability and independence through employment, disability, youth and training services.
For nearly 40 years, we've partnered with communities to create meaningful opportunities and pathways for those facing barriers to participation.
We are now seeking a visionary Group Manager – Strategy & Growth to shape Opendoor's market positioning, revenue strategy, contract stewardship and external influence in the systems that fund, govern and design employment, training, disability and social enterprise services.
About the Role
Reporting to the CEO, this executive role leads Opendoor's strategy, growth and government engagement agenda. You will be responsible for:
Strategic Funding & Sector Leadership
* Leading senior relationships with DEWR, DSS, NDIS, commissioning bodies, ministerial departments, universities, special interest and youth sector partners.
* Positioning Opendoor as a credible, trusted voice in reform, codesign and policy influence, positioning the organisation for sustainable future success as a leader in the industry.
Enterprise Growth & Market Strategy
* Owning Opendoor's growth pipeline—including market intelligence, tender strategy, partnerships and business case evaluation.
* Ensuring all new opportunities are mission aligned, compliant, and commercially sustainable.
Contract Governance & Risk (Second Line of Defence)
* Overseeing contract policy, interpretation, funding integrity, audit readiness and subcontractor/consortium governance.
Partnerships & Co-Design
* Building an ecosystem of partnerships with TAFEs, disability providers, social enterprises, employers and community actors to deliver integrated, wraparound pathways.
Advocacy, Voice & Reputation
* Positioning Opendoor as an evidence‐driven, reform‐capable provider with a strong theory of change and social impact framework.
About You
You are an adaptive, values‐driven leader who is:
* Experienced in funding systems, growth strategy, tenders and data‐informed decision‐making.
* Skilled at operating in complex human service environments.
* Politically astute, relational, and able to build trust with government, partners and diverse community stakeholders.
Experienced in Community, Employment, Disability or Training Services
* 10+ years' experience in Community, Employment, Disability or Training Services or similar social impact programs.
* Comfortable leading through ambiguity, managing risk and strengthening organisational reputation.
* Working experience and understanding of the theory of change, social impact frameworks and trauma‐informed approach in order to properly guide the organisation's work and continued impact as a trusted sector leader.
Aligned With Our Values
* Relationships
* Diversity
* Advocacy
What Success Looks Like
* A strong, diversified and defensible funding pipeline.
* Government and funders view Opendoor as a trusted partner.
* Services remain audit ready, compliant and aligned to funding intent.
* Growth strengthens—rather than dilutes—our trauma‐informed, wraparound model.
Why Join Us
At Opendoor, we believe in people and possibilities. Our team works every day to improve lives through dignity and choice, helping individuals build long‐term independence through employment, training, disability supports and social enterprise.
You'll join an organisation with deep community impact, a strong culture and a bold strategic direction that's all about giving more Victorians the chance to live with confidence and dignity.
For a confidential discussion, please call Chris Grant on 0493 714 171 or Alison Myatt on 0412 630 817
To obtain a copy of the Candidate Brief for this role, please visit: watermarksearch.com.au/position-descriptions
To express interest, please send your application quoting Ref No A006244 to Watermark Search International at search@watermarksearch.com.au. We will reply to the email address used for your application.
Closing date: 11:59 PM AEDT on Wednesday, 18th March 2026
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