Program Coordinator – Maximising the Middle

Part-time contract (30 hours/week) to December 2027
flexible with days

Help build a community-led movement where children and young people in their middle years (8–14) can thrive.

About Maximising the Middle

Maximising the Middle is a unique initiative co-founded by the Stronger Smarter Institute, ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth), Uniting, and a generous philanthropic partner. We are working together to amplify community voices and unlock the potential of children and young people in the middle years – a stage of life often overlooked by systems and services, yet critical to long-term wellbeing.

Together, our founding organisations bring deep expertise in educational leadership, child and youth wellbeing, evidence-based frameworks, and strong community roots. Uniting is the auspice for this role, but your work will span across all partners and community networks.

We are now entering Phase 2 – an ambitious, hands-on strategy to grow local alliances, codesign grassroots innovation projects, and support middle years children and young people in the Penrith and Campbelltown areas to thrive where they live, learn and connect.

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate, thoughtful, and experienced Program Coordinator to lead the delivery of this next phase. In this pivotal role, you will support and guide two dedicated Strategy Coordinators, one in each region, as well as engage with partners, schools, and community members.

You will:

• Build and guide the implementation of community and youth-led innovation projects
• Oversee the distribution and governance of innovation grants
• Facilitate collaboration across communities, schools, young people, and co-founding partners
• Grow an alliance of people and organisations who want to see children in the middle years thrive
• Promote the initiative across digital and community platforms

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of community development, education, youth empowerment, and social innovation. You’ll play a key role in bringing systems together, building momentum, and keeping young people’s voices at the heart of everything we do.

What You'll Bring

You are a skilled and confident leader, facilitator and connector. You listen deeply, think strategically, and act with care and courage.

You’ll also bring:

• A background in community development, project management, education or a related field (or equivalent lived/professional experience – we encourage out-of-the-box applicants)
• A genuine commitment to co-design and community-led approaches
• Experience leading place-based or grassroots initiatives
• Confidence working across systems and with a range of partners – from schools and service providers to children and families
• A belief in the strength of First Nations knowledge systems, and the confidence to work with cultural humility and fluency
• Excellent relationship building, facilitation, communication and storytelling skills
• An understanding of the strengths and challenges facing middle years children and their communities

In This Role, You Will Be Supported To:

• Use frameworks such as the Stronger Smarter Approach and ARACY’s Common Approach and Nest Framework
• Learn from national experts and networks across ARACY, SSI and Uniting
• Access mentorship and leadership from Uniting’s Social Impact & Advocacy team
• Adapt and grow the role as the initiative evolves

Working at Uniting

Uniting is one of the largest not-for-profits in Australia, and a proud co-founder of this initiative. We believe in disrupting disadvantage and working alongside communities to create meaningful, lasting change. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities and perspectives to apply.

Ready to make a difference for children in their middle years?
Apply today and help build a stronger, smarter, fairer future.

For a copy of the position description please contact Sarah via email at [email protected]

How to apply: We’d love to hear what drew you to Uniting and this opportunity. Please include a cover letter with your CV.

What We Offer You

A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.

Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available.

Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.

Flexible work hours for work-life balance.

Affordable access to Fitness Passport— discounted gym memberships to support your best life.

A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Opportunities for professional growth.

Uniting contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.We provide support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on those experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.We acknowledge the Sovereignty of First Nations people over the lands of Australia and are committed to meaningful change so that First Nations people are strong, thriving and self-determining.Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation, committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. We are proud of the diversity of our people and always welcome everyone, exactly as they are.