Guided by our vision – All people and communities are thriving and resilient through transformative relationships with God, self, others and all creation – Salvation Army International Development (SAID) delivers high-impact community development initiatives across the globe. We work in partnership with local leaders to ensure projects are locally led, sustainable, and aligned with our Model of Care.
About the role
Are you a seasoned development professional ready to lead transformative projects that empower communities and foster resilience? SAID is seeking a dynamic Program Manager (Development) to oversee our global development portfolio and drive sustainable changes through strategic partnerships and team leadership. As Program Manager you will play a pivotal role in shaping SAID's global development impact. Your leadership will extend across strategy, operations, partnerships, and advocacy. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this full-time permanent role is based in either Melbourne or Sydney. In this capacity, you will manage a high-performing team of six direct reports, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
How you will make an impact
- Lead and mentor a team of Project Coordinators to deliver high-quality, sustainable community development projects
- Ensure projects align with SAID's strategic action plan, Model of Care, and funding requirements
- Oversee project lifecycles, ensuring best practices in design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
- Manage budgets and resource allocation for development activities and travel
- Support continuous learning and capacity building within the program team
- Strengthen SAID's partnership approach, promoting locally led development and mutual accountability
- Enhance systems and processes for effective project and partnership management
- Monitor and mitigate project-related risks, ensuring compliance with safeguarding and reporting protocols
- Lead timely, high-quality reporting to DFAT and ACFID, and contribute to accreditation processes
- Represent SAID in internal and external forums, advocating for community-led development and faith-based impact
- Collaborate with finance, communications, and quality teams to ensure cohesive program delivery
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for program growth and innovation
- Contribute to SAID's strategic planning, ensuring programs reflect evolving global development priorities
- Support the integration of climate resilience, gender equity, and inclusion across all projects
- Champion data-driven decision-making through robust MEL frameworks
- Drive innovation in program design, leveraging evidence and community insights
What you will bring
- Postgraduate qualifications in international development, social sciences, program management or equivalent experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience managing programs and partnerships in the international development sector
- Proven ability to lead diverse, geographically dispersed teams with empathy and effectiveness
- Deep understanding of DFAT accreditation standards, ANCP requirements, and the ACFID Code of Conduct
- Strong project management capabilities including budgeting, risk mitigation, and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL)
- Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and cross-cultural — with a knack for clear, compelling reporting
- High-level planning, analytical and time management skills to meet deadlines under pressure
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including DFAT, ACFID, and implementing partners
- Commitment to The Salvation Army's mission and values, and compliance with safeguarding and quality frameworks
- Willingness to travel up to 60 days annually (domestic and international), and work flexibly outside regular hours
- Completion of required checks and training: Working with Children Check, National Criminal History Check, Code of Conduct, Safeguarding, and ACFID PSEAH modules
What we offer
As a registered NFP we offer our eligible employees real and meaningful advantages such as;
- NFP salary packaging ($15,900 tax free) plus meals and entertainment benefit ($2,650)
- Flexible working conditions
- Health, fitness and financial discounts / benefits
- Paid parental leave - 12 weeks
- Up to 8 weeks leave per year through our purchase leave scheme
- Up to 5 days paid leave per year to "volunteer" in a TSA program or activity
- Purpose driven career which has positive social and sustainable outcomes
- Employee Assistance Program - Independent confidential counselling service
- Opportunity for career development
- An inclusive culture of dedicated, passionate and professional team members
- Positively supporting and impacting the lives of others through your career contribution
How to apply
Ready to lead with purpose? Apply now and help communities thrive through transformative relationships and sustainable development. We are reviewing applications as they come in, so don't wait—this opportunity will close as soon as a successful candidate is secured.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Chance Employer and provides an inclusive work environment. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory National Police Check.
We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.
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