Woden Community Service (WCS) is a for-purpose organisation that has been providing community-based services for over 50 years. Our vision of ‘A caring community where everyone belongs’ is achieved through our values of Inclusion, Compassion, Hope, Responsiveness, Integrity and Social Justice.
We deliver services across the ACT covering children, families, young people and seniors including housing and mental health services.
The Service Development Manager is responsible for leading commissioning, design, and continuous improvement activities across the Community Programs portfolio, driving growth and innovation while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and contractual requirements. This role provides operational support to the Operations Manager, Community Programs, and oversees smaller portfolio programs.
Our Offer:
Salary packaging option up to $15,899 per Fringe Benefits Tax year, with an additional Meals and Entertainment package available up to $2,650 per Fringe Benefits Tax year.
15 days paid personal leave per annum (pro rata) for full & part-time employees.
24/7 nationally recognised Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including 3 additional holistic service sessions.
Ongoing professional development and a supportive team environment.
Monthly external clinical supervision.
Enjoy exclusive discounts and everyday savings on essentials at leading Australian retailers such as Woolworths and Coles, all through our Flare Benefits program.
Job Description
About the Role
Reporting to the Executive Manager, Community Programs, the Service Development Manager will:
Lead commissioning, service design, and growth initiatives across Community Programs
Drive tender development, grant applications, and new program proposals
Embed outcome measurement, evaluation, and continuous improvement across the portfolio
Oversee key enabling functions including intake, community engagement, service user engagement, volunteering, network coordination, and data quality
Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, Child Safe, and organisational requirements
Build and maintain strong relationships with government, funders, sector partners, and service users
Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, quality, and learning
This role provides operational support to the Operations Manager, Community Programs, and has direct and indirect leadership responsibility across a growing portfolio.
About You
You are a strategic and collaborative leader with demonstrated experience in service development, commissioning, or program design within the community services sector. You bring strong governance discipline and a commitment to service quality, while remaining responsive to emerging community needs.
You will also bring:
Proven experience in compliance, quality assurance, and risk management
Capability in outcome and impact evaluation and using data to drive service improvement
Strong stakeholder engagement and high-level report writing skills
Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams
Tertiary qualifications in human services, social work, community development, or a related field
Experience in tender writing, project management, health or mental health services, and service user participation will be highly regarded.
Desired Skills and Experience
Essential
Demonstrated experience in service development, commissioning, or program design within the community sector
Strong application of compliance, quality assurance, and risk management in a community services context, with service delivery as the focus.
Qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in outcome and impact evaluation
Proven ability to lead and develop teams across diverse functions.
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and report writing skills.
Experience in managing data quality and using data to inform service improvement.
Experience with managing client facing programs.
Tertiary qualifications in human services, social work, community development, or a related field.
Working with Vulnerable People Check
Australian Driver’s Licence and access to a private vehicle with comprehensive insurance
Ability to work outside of normal business hours as required.
Desirable
Experience in project management or leadership roles
Formal qualifications or training in leadership, risk management, or business administration.
Previous experience in the health, mental health or social services sectors
Advanced analytical or technical expertise related to data quality and service improvement.
Demonstrated commitment to service user participation
Experience in writing tenders and grant applications
Knowledge of industry trends and best practices
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment
Advanced analytical or technical expertise related to the roleTo be eligible for employment, you must have an active Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card, working rights in Australia, and be willing to undertake background checks required for the position, including a National Police Check.
To apply, please click on the “Apply” button and submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the essential requirements of this role. Please also indicate the role that you interested to apply on your cover letter. The applications will not be accepted via email.
For further information, please contact Leanne Heald (Executive Manager, Community Programs) at Leanne.Heald@wcs.org.au
Closing Date: COB 11 June 2026
Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found prior this date.
NOTE: This is a Fixed term Contract ends on 30 June 2027.
For more information about WCS and services that we provide, including Children’s Services, Youth & Family, Community Development, Housing and Homelessness, Mental Health, Social Enterprise and Aged Care, please visit our website at www.wcs.org.au
WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all abilities and life experiences. We also encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.
