SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

Enriching. Educating. Empowering. Encouraging.

The Foundation

The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation’s first education project was established in Karratha in 1997. After almost two decades, it has been successfully replicated across Australia in 33 communities in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales. More than 1200 Aboriginal students have graduated from the programs and there are currently more than1700 Aboriginal students participating in one of the Foundation’s 33 programs.

The Foundation’s objectives are to:

  • Close the gap in educational performance for indigenous students through improved school attendance and attainment
  • Ensure students successfully complete school and embark on positive post-school pathways
  • Empower young people to achieve their full potential and determine their own success
  • Contribute to positive views and expectations of Aboriginal people in the wider community

Purpose/Major Responsibilities

The Senior Program Officerhas a key role in contributing to the ongoing success of the Foundation and the secondary and primary school programs it runs. The Foundation establishes and managesprivate sector, philanthropic and government sponsorship, to facilitate the development and delivery of sustainable and innovative programs across the nation. This role directly supports the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the leadership of the Foundation and in the development of collaborative community and sponsor relationships and strategic partnerships directly aligned to the Foundation’s objectives and core values.The role has direct input to the Foundation’s operations, its operational and strategic planning, and reporting through collaboration with the Board on behalf of the CEO.

The Senior Program Officer role is ademanding but rewarding position,which manages and solves complex concepts and problems, balances multiple tasks and provides insight andrecommendations regarding strategic and operational issues. It oversees programs and establishes strong working relationships with Program Coordinators, schools, program steering committees, staff and donors. The role must develop smooth and constructive relationships with, outside agencies, organisations and individuals.The Senior Program Officer maintains a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of the role. Hours may be long and irregular and regular travel (road and air) is a mandatory requirement of this role. The position is based at the Foundation’shead office in Perth.This position conveys a professional and positive image and attitude regarding the Foundation and its programs and demonstrates commitment to continued professional growth and development.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

1.In collaboration with the CEO, leads and manages the innovative development and strategic and operational delivery of GPFF’s programs and initiatives.

2.Accountable for managing key initiatives in the Strategic Plan

3.Manages, oversees and reports on the operational effectiveness, financial management and status of GPFF programs.

4.Facilitates the development and delivery of sustainable and innovative programs, and provides professional direction, guidance and support to Program Coordinators

5.Develops and maintains strong, mutually beneficial working relationships with key sponsors and keeps them informed on the achievements of programs.

6.Develops and maintains strong, collaborative working relationships with key program partners and Program Coordinators, program steering committees, staff and donors

7.Prepares and oversees program budgets and related financial acquittals.

8.Represent GPFF on Program Steering Committees

9.Prepares insightful submissions to existing and potential funding partners.

Statement of Key Outcomes and Accountabilities

Mission, policy and planning

  1. Assists the CEO to fully inform the Board on the performance and financial status of current and potential programs and initiatives.
  2. Identifies issues, opportunities and collaborative approaches to address and/or embrace these to ensure the sustainability of the Foundation’s programs. Facilitates constructive discussions with the Board and/or its steering committees to achieve a productive outcome and supportive operational and strategic policy positions.
  3. Keeps well informed on developments in Aboriginal education, not-for-profit management and governance, philanthropy and fund development.

Leadership, Management and administration

  1. Provides the CEO with general oversight of all the foundation’s programs, and contributes to the management of day-to-day operations, and the smooth functioning of the Foundation.
  2. Supports the CEO in the management of program quality and stability through development and implementation of budgets, contracts, standards and controls, systems and procedures, and regular evaluation.
  3. In collaboration with the CEO assures a work environment that recruits, retains and supports quality staff and effective operational processes.
  4. In collaboration with the CEO is responsible for ensuring effective, efficient and compliant financial and contractual development and management processes and reporting.

Governance and compliance

  1. Assists the CEO to support the operation of the Board, its committees and individual members.
  2. Oversees and assists the CEO with legal and regulatory compliance.
  3. Assists the CEO to support the Board President/Chair to ensure the Board fulfil its governance functions and operates effectively.
  4. Assists the CEO to provide the Board Chair, insight into strategic issues.
  5. On behalf of, and in collaboration with the CEO, works with the Board members and program committee chairs to ensure the effectiveness of programs and initiatives.

FinancialManagement and Funding

  1. In collaboration with the CEO, leads and promotes the implementation and operation of sustainable, cost-effective and qualityprograms and services.
  2. Works with the CEO and Board to ensure financing to support short and long-term goals.
  3. Ensures an effective fund management and development program.
  4. In collaboration with the CEO, assist the Board to implement and monitor a viable fundraising plan and related policies and procedures.
  5. Participates actively in identifying, cultivating and securing donors and oversees the development of publicity and communicationmaterials to support these sponsorships.

Community relations

  1. Assists and supports the CEO to facilitate the integration of the foundation into the fabric of the community through effective marketing and communications activities.
  2. Assists and supports the CEO to be an advocate, within the public and private sectors, for issues relevant to the foundation, its services and benefactors.
  3. Assists the CEO in their role aschief spokesperson for the foundation, assuring effective representation of the Foundation to funding partners and inhost communities.
  4. Provides support to the CEO in the development and maintenance of cooperative relationships with key stakeholders.
  5. Assists and supports the CEO to works with legislators, regulatory agencies, volunteers and representatives of the not-for-profit sector to promote programs that encourage, empower, enrich and educate Aboriginal communities and address the issues of the foundation’s benefactors.

Reporting/Working Relationships

  • Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and collaborates with the GPFF Board
  • Collaborates with and provides regular updates to the Foundation’s partners, sponsors, and key stakeholders
  • Provides professional leadership and collaborative mentorship to Program Coordinators.

Selection Criteria - Essential

  1. Considerable experience in educational leadership (ideally within schools and at system level) with a particular emphasis on Indigenous education and out-of-school support programs
  2. Highly developed organisational and project management skills
  3. Sound understanding of budget preparation and financial reporting
  4. Highly developed report and submission writing skills
  5. Demonstrated conceptual and analytical skills with a proven ability to provide innovative thinking in developing and implementing project initiatives
  6. Demonstrated strategic approach which reflects current policies, frameworks and issues in Indigenous education
  7. High level of interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to establish strong collaborative working relationships with the Foundation, students, parents, staff and external agencies.
  8. Demonstrated ability providing leadership in a diverse range of settings across multiple stakeholders and a demonstrated history of building, managing and leading successful high performing teams.
  9. Demonstrated ability and experience in stakeholder influence, negotiation and management.

Additional requirements

A)This role involves regular travel within WA and interstate