Position title: Manager Networks

Reports To: Director Impact

Team: Impact

Location: Australia (flexible)

Employment Type: 1-year Fixed Term, Full-Time (role may be extended)

Direct reports: 3

Salary to AUD $120,000 p.a. plus super, depending on experience and qualifications.

Position Approval date: 2 July 2025

Context

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) designs and delivers leadership programs and initiatives to support thriving regional, rural and remote communities. Established over 30 years ago, the ARLF is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with both a national and international footprint. We rely on the financial support of the community, business, philanthropic and government sectors.

Position Overview

• The Manager Networks is responsible for defining, activating and growing the ARLF’s national network of alumni, program participants, partners and collaborators - both online and in-person.
• In the first instance, this role will be hands-on taking the lead on building digital engagement across ARLF’s virtual alumni and stakeholder platform, while also nurturing real-world relationships that support program delivery, storytelling and new opportunities.
• Over time, this role will grow a small team of engagement staff, manage the systems that underpin the network, and ensure that insights gathered across the network feed back into ARLF’s strategy, programs and communications.
• This is a public-facing role - ideal for someone who is energised by people, skilled at communications and systems thinking, and confident working across digital and place-based settings.

Key Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Manager Networks include but are not limited to:

1. Design and lead the implementation of a network and stakeholder engagement strategy that fosters connection, belonging and value for alumni, participants, partners and stakeholders.
2. Manage and activate ARLF’s digital network platform (Might Networks backend) to drive subscription, including content creation, conversation, monthly virtual events, analytics and continuous improvement.
3. Design and support in-person network activities such as regional gatherings, alumni events and cross-sector engagements.
4. Represent ARLF at public events, forums and conferences as required to grow visibility and strengthen relationships.
5. Gather qualitative and quantitative insights from the network and work closely with the insights and marketing teams to interpret and share findings across the organisation and beyond.
6. Identify, produce, curate and amplify leadership stories that demonstrate the network’s reach and influence.
7. Lead and grow a team of community engagement leads providing coordination and coaching.
8. Collaborate across teams to ensure alignment between network engagement, project delivery, communications and business development.

Delegations and Authorities

• Team management functions are associated with this position.
• Financial delegations and authorities may be associated with this position.
• The occupant of the position will assist in the monitoring of specified budget information and operational performance outcomes.

Conditions of Employment

Detailed conditions of employment are set out in the employee’s contract and the Staff Handbook or equivalent.

From time to time there may be an increase in weekly hours and the requirement to perform higher duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions required of the position.

All staff members are expected to adhere to company policies, which outline rules, expectations, and procedures for workplace conduct and operations, ensuring a consistent and compliant environment.

Capabilities, Attributes and Qualifications

Role Capabilities and minimum capability expectations for role (i.e. either Foundation, Developed or Mature)

1. Strategic network design: Ability to design, grow and evolve a multi-platform network strategy that supports engagement and impact across regions and stakeholder groups. [Developed]
2. Digital engagement and insight: Proficiency in managing online community platforms, creating contemporary high-quality content, analysing engagement data and turning insight into action. [Developed]
3. In-person engagement and facilitation: Confidence in designing and delivering online and face-to-face engagement, events and connection points across network groups. [Developed]
4. Stakeholder relationship management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups, including alumni, community, partners and funders. [Developed]
5. Public communication and representation: Communication skills including public speaking, storytelling and representing ARLF in professional forums. [Developed]
6. Insights to action: Ability to gather and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from network sand work with internal teams to apply it. [Developed]
7. Experience/Qualifications: Relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g., communications, social impact or engagement) or equivalent experience. [Developed]

Key Personal Attributes and minimum capability expectations for role (i.e. either Foundation, Developed or Mature)

1. Commitment to ARLF mission and values and a passion for driving positive social impact in RRR. [Developed]
2. Leadership and Initiative [Developed]
3. Cultural Sensitivity and Empathy [Developed]
4. Effective Communication incl public speaking and facilitation [Developed]
5. Problem Solving and Flexibility [Developed]
6. Collaboration and Team Leader [Developed]

Operational Aspects (including Optional, Desired or Mandatory)

• Police check attainment* [Mandatory] and Working with Vulnerable People [Desired]
• First Aid certificate* [Mandatory] and/or mental health first aid [Desired]
• Travel (including interstate) [Occasional Travel required]
• Current C class Driver's License* [Desired]

Additional requirements

1. You must have the appropriate right to work in Australia to be eligible for this role.
2. Reasonable work outside normal hours may be required.
3. Interstate travel will be required.
4. * A Working with Vulnerable Peoples check, a National Criminal History Check and/or First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certification may be required and will be sponsored by the employer.

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation values diversity in our workplace and encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities apply.

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