Area Manager

Permanent Full Time Contract

Location: Mparntwe (Alice Springs) NT 0870

$138,818 + super + NFP salary packaging benefits + business car

Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Your Opportunity

As the Area Manager – Central NT, you will lead a diverse portfolio of community services spanning Alice Springs and Katherine, including Aherlkeme Development Centre, Stuart Lodge, and multiple outreach and support programs. With oversight of approximately 18 services, a budget of $8.3M, and a workforce of up to 40 staff, this is a significant leadership role driving meaningful outcomes for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Working closely with three direct-report Program Managers, you will provide strategic and operational direction with accountability for contract delivery, operational performance, and workforce planning across the region. Based in Alice Springs, this is an on-site position where your presence will be central to fostering strong team culture, ensuring service excellence, and maintaining community connections.

You will champion culturally safe, person-centred service delivery, particularly supporting First Nations communities, and play a vital role in strengthening pathways out of homelessness. As a visible and influential leader, you will build and sustain relationships with government, funders and community stakeholders, while driving continuous improvement, operational performance, and sustainable growth across the region.

We strongly encourage people who identify as First Nations to apply.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Lead the contract delivery and performance of all services across Central NT, ensuring compliance, quality outcomes, and alignment with organisational strategy

Provide strong leadership, coaching and development to Program Managers, fostering a high-performing, values-driven culture

Manage and monitor operational budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and accurate reporting against performance targets

Build and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, funders, community organisations, and key stakeholders

Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and succession planning in collaboration with HR

Respond to critical incidents and provide calm, effective leadership to ensure safety, continuity, and best practice outcomes

Drive continuous improvement across the region by monitoring service performance, identifying opportunities for growth, and contributing to regional and national strategies

Requirements for Success

Tertiary qualification in Community Services, Human Services, Management, or a related discipline

Demonstrated leadership experience (5–7+ years) managing multidisciplinary teams across complex service environments

Strong understanding of homelessness, housing services, and associated challenges such as mental health, AOD, and family and domestic violence

Proven financial and operational management capability, including oversight of multiple programs and budgets with the ability to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.

Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working alongside government, funders, and community partners

In-depth knowledge of Aboriginal cultural systems, protocols, and a commitment to culturally safe practice

Experience across a defined geographic region

Solutions-focused mindset with excellent communication, time management, and the ability to lead teams with clarity, resilience, and professionalism

Full driver licence with no restrictions

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference

Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax

Free external, confidential counselling

Volunteering opportunities

Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

Extra leave including Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Remote Benefits include:

Additional $350 each year to assist with cost of living in a remote area

Access to up to 3 additional days Personal/carers leave each year (non-accruing)

Our Culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au