Is your happy place leading a dynamic team, solving problems and engaging with a variety of people? Do you have a heart that beats for both people and animals?
If you are looking for a unique role that blends your passion for both, then this role could be your paw-fect match!
About Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH)
At HPHH people don’t just come to work — we come to make an impact in the lives of both people and animals, hearts and paws. We create programs that connect vulnerable or socially isolated people with rescue animals in ways that build confidence, connection, and hope for the future.
Through the magic of the human-animal connection, we run programs from Darwin to Tasmania, from the ears to the tail of Australia, empowering participants with disabilities and neurodiversity, veterans and first responders, and youth at risk.
Working in partnership with animal rescue shelters and centres like RSPCA, we provide structured hands-on experiences with training, socialising and caring for animals in care on their journey for adoption. In working with the animals, participants build life management skills, social connection and skills, confidence, independence and vocational skills to assist them into entering or re-entering a vocational pathway. Our programs change lives for both hearts and paws alike.
About the Role
As our Head of Program Delivery - Wacol, you’ll lead our engaged and positive team providing structured programs, creating meaningful connections between participants and rescue animals. Our Program supports individuals with diverse needs—including people with disability, mental health challenges, and those experiencing social isolation—to build skills, confidence, and social connection in a safe, inclusive environment.
You will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership to ensure the high-quality delivery of programs at Wacol. This role is responsible for program development, stakeholder engagement, site-based event coordination, overseeing rostering, and project and commercial management. The focus of this role is to:
- Lead and empower – Mentor and support the team, fostering growth, confidence, and capability.
- Champion culture – Promote a values-driven, positive and high-performing culture that motivates and retains talented team members.
- Drive performance – Implement strategies that improve participant outcomes, experience, retention, and growth.
- Foster relationships – Build and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and partner organisations.
- Align Strategically – Ensure team operations align with strategic objectives, performance standards, and priorities.
What you’ll bring
- Tertiary qualification in social work, education, project management, or a related field. (desirable)
- 5+ years of experience in program management, team leadership, or operational management roles.
- Excellence in driving performance, engagement, and retention of teams.
- Proven track record of achieving registration targets, attendance goals, and participant engagement outcomes.
- Experience in disability services, community programs, or the non-profit sector.
- Strong project and budget management experience.
We are more than a workplace – we are a fast-growing movement driven by heart.
As a valued team member at HPHH, you will experience:
- A culture that is heart-led and grounded in real connection, where our people genuinely care for one another, and the mission we all work towards.
- Work with purpose and impact – see the tangible difference you make each day.
- Growth that celebrates individuality. From learning on-the-ground from each other’s strengths and experience to ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Leadership that listens: Our leaders are values-led and approachable, not just literally but physically on-the-ground, contributing to and building an setting where everyone can thrive.
- Wellness initiatives and Employee Assistance Programs
- Salary Sacrificing benefits (as a not-for-profit)
- Daily tail Wags!
Diversity & Belonging
We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all abilities, backgrounds and identities — including women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the LGBTQIA+ community and those living with disability.
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📌 Head of Program Delivery - Wacol
🏢 Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation
📍 Brisbane