The Polly Farmer Foundation is one of Australia's leading not-for-profit organisations, delivering education programs that support the needs, interests, and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families for over 25 years.

Your role

We're looking for a passionate Program Coordinator to lead our Follow the Dream Program in Muswellbrook. This role is all about making a difference you'll—delivering engaging learning experiences. Reporting to the Program Manager, you’ll ensure the program meets the needs of students and the expectations of parents, schools, community partners, and funding stakeholders. A key focus of this role is building strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, and communities to ensure culturally responsive and inclusive program delivery. If you're ready to combine leadership, creativity, and community engagement to empower young learners, we'd love to hear from you!

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Follow the Dream program, ensuring high-quality learning experiences and alignment with curriculum standards.
• Recruit, onboard and engage tutors in collaboration with the Program Manager and HR.
• Work in partnership with school staff and leadership to design, implement, and deliver engaging curricula for students.
• Oversee day-to-day program operations, including supervision of casual staff and ensuring smooth delivery.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with students, families, and Aboriginal communities to foster cultural responsiveness and inclusion.
• Collect and document program data for reporting and continuous improvement.
• Manage general administrative tasks related to program coordination and compliance.

Selection Criteria

• Experience working with Aboriginal students and communities, with a strong understanding of how to support their educational success, wellbeing, and aspirations.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deliver results.
• Proven ability to manage people and budgets, ensuring programs run smoothly and resources are used effectively.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, partners, and community organisations.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity, with a commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal families and communities.
• Analytical and innovative thinking, with a track record of contributing to program improvement and exploring new ways to enhance student outcomes.

What You'll Bring

We are looking for someone passionate about Education, culturally responsive, and ready to lead with purpose. To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
• Valid driver's license
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with Aboriginal communities
• Understanding of funding partnerships and financial management
• Minimum 2 years' experience in program coordination or a similar role
• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field (preferred)
• Proficiency with IT systems and digital tools
• Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team

Why Join Us?

• Work within a supportive, purpose-driven team to help shape the future for young Aboriginal people across Australia.
• Full-time, fixed-term, 12-month appointment with the possibility of extension.
• Enjoy a generous salary packaging package, including up to $18,550 tax-free for a range of benefits such as mortgage repayments, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation, and other everyday living expenses, plus additional benefits like novated leasing, self-education, and extra superannuation.
• 12.5 days of personal leave
• 4 weeks of annual leave
• Opportunities to grow your cultural competency and leadership skills.

For more information or a confidential chat, contact Simon Thompson at 0423 234 745 or [email protected] using the subject line: Program Coordinator - Muswellbrook enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

The Polly Farmer Foundation is committed to providing employment and educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians across our workplaces and in our programs. People who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

YOUR APPLICATION

Click "Apply Now". Applicants must include:

• A resume that includes contact details, experience, qualifications and other information you consider relevant to the position.
• A response to the Selection Criteria above – maximum 2 pages.
• Contact details and working relationship with the applicant of three referees, including one from your current or most recent employer/line manager.

The Polly Farmer Foundation reserves the right to close this advertisement early if a suitable candidate is identified.