Program Manager, Girls at the Centre

• Lead a program supporting Indigenous youth to improve academic outcomes
• Permanent full-time position
• Based in Wagga Wagga, NSW with flexible working arrangements

The Smith Family (TSF) is a national children’s education charity that works with children and young people experiencing poverty to overcome their circumstances and reach their full potential by providing holistic, long-term support for their education. Our work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities aims to keep children, families and communities engaged in learning by providing positive educational experiences, opportunities to grow life skills and access to role models. Every year we support over 18,020 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children on our Learning for Life Scholarship.

About the role

Girls at the Centre is a program that The Smith Family operates to support and motivate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 7 to 12 to stay at school and boost their educational achievements through a range of cultural and social activities.

To drive these outcomes, we are now seeking a Program Manager, Girls at the Centre to provide leadership and project management of the Girls at the Centre Program. Reporting to the Regional Programs Manager ACT/NSW and working alongside dedicated, energised, and passionate team members, you will: 

• Lead, supervise and work with Girl Coaches to implement strategies to meet agreed outcomes. Ensuring these strategies are implemented sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, understanding their unique needs and aspirations.
• Engage and foster relationships with Aboriginal Community Elders and Leaders in the community.
• Ensure outcomes are achieved through overseeing and supporting delivery of the Girls at the Centre program in accordance with The TSF model.
• Lead the local implementation, reporting, monitoring and contribution to evaluation in partnership with members of the TSF team.
• Develop partnerships with schools, community organisations, businesses and local community members.
• Engage key stakeholders in decision making on relevant aspects of the program.

About you

As well as passion for community, you will bring the following: 

• An appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities, and contemporary issues.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience in leading a team; strong interpersonal skills and effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse stakeholder groups, internally and externally.
• Strong influence and negotiation skills.
• Experience in working with and having an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, young people and families.
• Excellent organisational, administration and time management skills.
• Hold a valid drivers licence and have or willing to obtain a Working with Children’s Check.

Our benefits

Employees are at the centre of The Smith Family’s values and operations. By joining our team, you can expect to:  

• Find balance; with flexible work options and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave  
• Maximise your take home pay; with salary packaging, and save with discounts at retailers across the country
• Feel you belong; with a supportive, diverse and inclusive team with regular opportunities to connect with colleagues and community
• Feel you belong; with inclusive leave options, including paid parental, cultural and gender affirmation leave
• Thrive; with support for you and your family’s mental and physical health including a complete care and safety platform, unlimited Employee Assistance and access to a huge range of fitness facilities with Fitness Passport.

About us

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity with a vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to change their future, no matter their circumstances. We believe that education is one of the most powerful change agents, and we work with young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures.

If you are passionate about what you do, committed to make a difference and this sounds like your next role, please click apply, we’d love to hear from you. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are strongly encouraged.

You may view the position description here.

Closing date: 6 March 2026

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a National Police Check and a Working with Children’s Check. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to principles of cultural diversity.