Program Lead - Supported Playgroups

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A PROGRAM LEAD - SUPPORTED PLAYGROUPS, TO JOIN OUR GROWING SERVCES TEAM ON A 6 MONTH CONTRACT.
 

Do you believe every family deserves a village? Are you energised by community connection, early childhood development, and empowering volunteers? If you love people, thrive on variety, and want your work to make a genuine difference — you’ll feel right at home with Playgroup NSW. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO – YOUR PURPOSE 

 

As the Program Lead - Supported Playgroups, you’ll be the driving force behind dynamic programs that support diverse and vulnerable communities. From leading passionate teams to shaping innovative projects, you’ll oversee everything from service delivery and operations to stakeholder partnerships.

This isn’t just management—it’s about creating real, positive change. You’ll champion high-quality programs, empower educators and staff, and help deliver brighter outcomes for children and families across our Supported Playgroups. 

Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference every day?

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Exceptional Programs

• Drive high-impact, inclusive Supported Playgroup programs for diverse communities
• Design, launch, and continuously improve innovative initiatives
• Champion access, inclusion, and meaningful outcomes for children and families

 

Build Strong Partnerships

• Grow partnerships with councils, venues, and community organisations
• Manage delivery partners to ensure quality, compliance, and impact
• Engage confidently with families, stakeholders, and funding bodies

Quality & Practice

• Apply best-practice frameworks (EYLF and beyond)
• Stay ahead of trends to lead continuous improvement
• Use data, feedback, and insights to strengthen program outcomes

Empower Your Team

• Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing team
• Build capability in inclusive practice and child development
• Support teams to deliver engaging, safe, and effective programs

Drive Performance & Accountability

• Own program outcomes, reporting, and KPIs
• Ensure compliance across funding, safety, and legislation
• Lead strategic planning, risk management, and quality improvements

Manage Resources Smartly

• Oversee budgets and program financial performance
• Identify growth opportunities and contribute to funding success
• Reduce costs and maximise value for communities

Champion Safety & Culture

• Embed a strong child-safe culture and inclusive environment
• Role model values and foster a positive, collaborative workplace
• Support continuous learning and professional growth

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Degree/Diploma in a relevant discipline (community, social science, disability, early education and care, or other relevant discipline).
• Demonstrated practical experience leading, motivating, and supporting a team to deliver quality programs and services.
• Strong knowledge of working with and supporting children and families with diverse needs, including those experiencing vulnerability, disability, and cultural or linguistic diversity (lived experience highly regarded).
• Experience in managing the delivery of services for children and families, especially in playgroup or early learning settings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other relevant technology, including database and CRM systems, with demonstrated skills in professional documentation, business processes, and accurate administration.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships. Advanced report-writing capability, coupled with strong attention to detail, organisational, and time management skills.
• Experience working within grant-funded projects, including managing contract compliance, data collection, reporting, and funder relationships.
• Working with Children Check verification (or willing to get one)
• You must be available to commit for the full 6-month contract

For you to be successful in the role, it is important that you can address all the above requirements.  SCHADS Award Level 6.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE 

 

• We love collaboration: Work alongside dedicated and experienced professionals 
• We embrace flexible Working: Deliver your best work within a hybrid and flexible work environment 
• We have excellent employee benefits: Enjoy extra leave to recharge after all the hard work. 
• We do purpose-driven work: See how you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others every day. 
• We empower your professional growth: Regular professional development opportunities. 
• We care about your wellbeing: Feel further supported through our Employee Assistance Program

 

READY TO JOIN US? 

Send us your resume and cover letter, we can't wait to hear from you!