About Us
Darwin Skills Development Scheme (DSDS) is a well-established Northern Territory organisation with over 40 years of service to the community. We're embarking on an exciting new chapter, pivoting from a primarily disability focus towards delivering a range of high-quality programs, training and other services that meet the needs of the Darwin community. With an excellent training facility equipped with modern meeting technology and resources, we're positioned to make a real impact across the Darwin/Palmerston region.
The Opportunity
We're seeking an entrepreneurial Manager who can lead this transition, guided by the DSDS Board of Management. The manager should be well informed and experienced in working within community-based organisations in a relevant role. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future direction of an established organisation combining business acumen with a passion for making a community impact.
As Manager, you will oversee the daily operations, growth, and promotion of DSDS’s programs and services. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping organisational culture, developing sustainable funding strategies, building effective relationships with community, business and other key stakeholders and ensuring exceptional participant experiences.
This role blends operational leadership, marketing coordination, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on involvement in program development. It’s ideal for someone who thrives in a purpose-driven environment and enjoys building initiatives from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities
Operational and Facilities Management
· Manage day-to-day operations of the DSDS facilities in a responsible manner, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and professional environment.
· Provide direction and guidance to ensure that all staff comply with DSDS objectives and policies, meet outcomes, key performance indicators and targets.
· Maintain building security, assets, motor vehicles, IT, participant files, commercial and confidential information.
· Manage the organisation in compliance with internal procedures, contractual requirements and relevant legislation, ensure that organisational policies and procedures are followed by all staff.
· Maintain compliance with relevant workplace standards.
· Develop and implement operational procedures to support growth.
Marketing and Community Engagement
· Collaborate with DSDS Board to promote programs and services across the local community.
· Support marketing campaigns, including social media, local advertising, and partnerships.
· Build relationships with local businesses, community groups, and referral networks.
· Represent DSDS at community events and networking opportunities.
Program and Service Delivery
· Support the marketing, development, scheduling and delivery of DSDS programs and services.
· Work closely with delivery personnel to support and maintain engaging and relevant content.
· Oversee participant commencement processes and support, program administration and compliance.
· Coordinate room bookings, equipment, technology, and resources.
Leadership and Strategy
· Actively source funding from a range of opportunities, including tender/grant/project proposals and prepare submissions that meet the charter of the organisation.
· Develop and maintain effective mechanisms to ensure that DSDS staff members and Board members understand governance issues in delivering programs and services.
· Manage the financial requirements of the organisation, including business development, preparation of budgets, working within budgets and financial resources.
· Contribute to DSDS’s strategic direction as we expand our offerings.
· Provide insights on market demand, identify service gaps that DSDS may be able to address through grant applications or use of internal resources.
· Lead a small team, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
· Monitor performance metrics to enable reporting on program engagement, outcomes, and opportunities.
What We Offer
· The opportunity to lead meaningful community impact through skills and service development, and to shape the direction of an established organisation
· Modern, well-equipped facilities, centrally located in Darwin
· A supportive Board committed to the organisation's success
· Salary package commensurate with experience (including salary sacrificing options)
About You
You're an innovative self-starter with demonstrated leadership qualities who sees the potential in this role. You understand both the business side of running an organisation and the importance of quality in achieving program outcomes. You're comfortable wearing multiple hats, from preparing tenders/submissions, marketing programs and services, to managing operations and building stakeholder partnerships. You're excited by the challenge of building something new while honouring DSDS's 40+ year legacy of community service and are willing to work in accordance with DSDS mission, vision and values.
You possess –
· a high standard of oral and written skills.
· an understanding of professional accountability related to upholding privacy principles, EEO, OHS and other relevant legislation.
· a Current Police Clearance and Working With Children card.
· a Drivers’ Licence.
· qualifications or previous experience in management, community services, training and development, finance, and/or related programs.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing:
1. Your relevant experience in managing service delivery, community, training and/or business related roles.
2. Your approach to program and service development in a regional market
3. Why you're interested in leading DSDS through this exciting transition