Regional Programs Manager

• Drive NSW delivery of our flagship program – Learning for Life
• Lead and develop a high-performing team
• Blacktown based (Hybrid Flexibility)

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that works with children and young people to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures.

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Program Manager for NSW to provide leadership and operational oversight for the delivery of our flagship Learning for Life program ensuring it is delivered safely, consistently and in line with our national practice frameworks.

Working alongside other Regional Program Managers across the country and reporting to the Group Manager, Learning for Life Operations & Delivery, you will lead a geographically dispersed team in NSW responsible for supporting children and families experiencing disadvantage through education.

As a senior leader in our Operations Team, and working alongside other Regional Program Managers across the country you will play a vital part in shaping strategy, business planning, and continuous improvement across our Operations function.

Key accountabilities

• Lead the delivery of Learning for Life and associated programs across NSW, ensuring targets for reach, quality and impact are achieved
• Provide leadership to a geographically dispersed team of 28 Team Leaders, Family Partnership Coordinators, Programs Coordinators as well as volunteers
• Ensure strong adherence to program practice frameworks, maintaining consistency and quality across program delivery
• Support the development and implementation of state operational plans aligned with organisational strategy, and oversee team planning, resource allocation and budget management within delegated responsibilities
• Foster a high-performing, values led team culture through coaching, capability development and performance management
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory standards including child safeguarding and risk management, to uphold the highest standards of compliance throughout program delivery
• Represent The Smith Family externally, building and maintaining strong relationships with schools, community partners, funders and sector stakeholders
• Drive data-informed decision making and continuous improvement

About you

You are an experienced operational leader with a strong track record managing programs or services that support community and passion for education equity. You combine strong people leadership capability with the ability to maintain program quality and operational rigour across NSW metro and regional.

You are values-led, collaborative and motivated by purpose-driven impact, with a commitment to improving educational outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage.

Skills and experience

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent senior leadership experience in a relevant sector
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex programs or services across multi-site teams
• Proven experience driving team engagement and performance through a coaching and development approach
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across the education, community or NFP sectors
• Experience working with vulnerable communities and managing sensitive stakeholder relationships
• Strong operational planning, project management and budgeting
• Ability to analyse program data to drive continuous improvement
• Experience in the Education, Community Services or NFP sector is highly desirable

Our benefits

At The Smith Family, employees are at the heart of what we do. Joining our team means you can:

• Find balance with flexible work options and the ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Maximise your take-home pay through salary packaging and access to retail discounts
• Fulfil your potential with a suite of career development and learning opportunities
• Feel you belong with inclusive leave options including cultural, parental and gender affirmation leave
• Thrive with access to wellbeing support including EAP and discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport

If you are passionate about what you do, committed to making a difference please click apply, we’d love to hear from you.

You may view the position description here.

Closing date: 20 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 Check. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to cultural diversity. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.