Join a nurturing and supportive organisation dedicated to improving opportunities and outcomes for First Nations staff, children and families

Competitive salary package of $130,000 – $140,000 plus superannuation

Generous salary packaging benefits

Relocation assistance negotiable for the right candidate

Professional development opportunities, learning, growth and executive-level contribution

First Nations persons are highly encouraged to apply

Bourke and District Children's Services (BDCS)

Bourke and District Children’s Services (BDCS) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Western NSW, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. We operate Preschool, Childcare, Mobile Playgroup, Indigenous Employment Program and Connected Beginnings Program delivering wraparound support to the Bourke community.

Connected Beginnings (Yanmali) supports the healthy development of First Nation children by strengthening early childhood outcomes through community-led, culturally-informed approaches. Guided by the Maranguka Principles and the Bourke Tribal Council’s Growing Our Kids Up Safe, Smart, Strong strategy, the program works to support First Nation families and children from pre-birth to school age to ensure they are well prepared for school. The initiative aims to help close the gap in school readiness and educational outcomes for First Nation children.

We are a values-driven organisation, proudly collaborative, with a strong reputation for fostering systemic change through trust, cultural respect, and partnership.

For more information, please visit our website: www.bdcs.org.au

About the Opportunity

Bourke and District Children’s Services is looking for a full-time Connected Beginnings (Yanmali) Project Director based in Bourke, NSW.

This high-impact leadership role reports to the General Manager and oversees the strategic and operational delivery of the Connected Beginnings (Yanmali) initiative. You will lead a passionate team, work across sectors, and ensure the program is both community-led and data-driven.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Providing adaptive leadership across the BDCS team and community

Facilitating collaboration between services and organisations to reduce duplication

Building relationships with diverse stakeholders including families, government, health, education and social services

Convening and guiding cross-sector forums, learning sessions, and strategy workshops

Driving systemic advocacy that improves policies and long-term outcomes

Coordinating reporting, funding opportunities, and stakeholder communications

Representing BDCS at Connected Beginnings forums and regional/national events

About You

To qualify, you will need to meet the following skills and criteria:

Tertiary qualifications and significant experience in education, community development, communications, change management, social services, health, business or related area, and demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development

Demonstrated experience in project management and team leadership; to design, implement, manage and monitor using a data driven approach

Proven ability to build capacity and thinks strategically at organisational and systemic level over multi-year horizons

A demonstrated capacity to lead and work in a highly functional team environment

High level interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to resolve conflict

Proven experience in community led change, working across difference and building relationships with a broad range of stakeholders

An understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal communities, particularly rural and remote areas, in a way that fosters mutual respect

Ability to generate concise and accurate reports, briefing papers and other documentation

As our ideal candidate, you will be values-driven, passionate about equity, and bring a level of creativity and persistence to your work. You’ll thrive in a role that requires long-term thinking, political neutrality, and deep community engagement. A commitment to cultural safety, flexibility in your work style, and a focus on lasting change will make you a strong fit.

This is a leadership opportunity for someone ready to invest in place, relationships, and children’s futures.

You must hold or be eligible to obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC), a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), a driver’s licence.

First Nations persons are highly encouraged to apply.

Child Safety

As a Child Safe organisation, we are committed to child safety and have a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse. All applicants are expected to uphold our child safety policies and procedures and understand that reference checks will be conducted to ensure that only suitable individuals are hired. Please click here to read our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety.

About the Benefits

At BDCS, we offer a competitive salary package of $130,000 – $140,000 plus superannuation based on qualifications and experience. We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally, which is why we offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

Generous salary packaging benefits

Relocation assistance negotiable for the right candidate

Ability to purchase leave up to 4 weeks extra

Use of BDCS fleet vehicles for work travel

Supportive team with experienced leaders, including transition support from the current Project Director

Employee Wellbeing Program

Professional development opportunities, learning, growth, and executive-level contribution

A phone and laptop to facilitate your work

Opportunities for national travel – including Connected Beginnings forums, ministerial meetings, and conferences

The chance to live in a vibrant, tight-knit community with a meaningful local impact

BDCS is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both children and staff. By joining our team, you will be part of an organisation that values community engagement, professional excellence, and a commitment to enhancing children's developmental outcomes.

Please note: Applications for this position will remain open until a suitable pool of candidates is identified. As such, this vacancy may close without notice. If you're interested in this opportunity, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Apply now to become our Connected Beginnings (Yanmali) Project Director and take the next step in your professional journey!