Lead a team creating new beginnings for people exiting prison.

Vacro is looking for a values-driven leader to manage Victoria’s most innovative reintegration program - Arc. If you believe in second chances, value ethical leadership, and want to make a tangible impact on people’s lives, this is a unique opportunity to lead a program that changes futures.

Position Snapshot

Salary range - $119,093.52 - $124,073.04 Level 7 SCHADS Award 2010 + Superannuation (pay point dependent on qualifications and experience)

Full time (1.0FTE) ongoing position – working Monday to Friday however, we have hybrid arrangements with two days in the office (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and up to two additional days will be required at Melbourne CBD office per month, as part of a leadership roster.

The position is based in Melbourne CBD with statewide travel on a regular basis

Generous not-for-profit salary packaging and annual leave loading is available

Position overview

As the Arc Program Manager, you’ll lead a committed team of professionals delivering holistic reintegration support. You’ll shape program strategy, oversee service delivery, and build strong stakeholder relationships.

This is a leadership role grounded in humility, ethics, and effectiveness. You’ll be responsible for ensuring Arc delivers on its promise: better outcomes for people transitioning from prison into community life.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Leading a skilled and empathetic team.

Overseeing service delivery and program design in line with contracts and Vacro’s values.

Ensuring continuous improvement guided by our unique Reintegration Practice Framework.

Maintaining trusted partnerships with our community housing partners, government agencies, and community-based service providers.

About Vacro

Vacro is an independent non-profit organisation working with people caught in the criminal justice system and their families. Founded in 1872, we are Victoria’s oldest and only specialised criminal justice reintegration service. We provide reintegration, family, and employment support that enables people to create new beginnings for themselves and their families.

We value the expertise of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Because of the work we do, we especially value the expertise of First Nations people, people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and people of diverse cultural backgrounds and identities. We also welcome applications from people with a criminal record. We do not discriminate based on a person’s criminal record, however in some circumstances, contractual or legislative obligations may limit a person’s eligibility for certain roles. We are happy to have a confidential discussion about how these requirements may affect a candidate.

Many members of our workforce bring invaluable lived experience that enriches our teams with authenticity and diverse insights. These individuals not only possess professional skills, but also a profound understanding of the challenges and complexities that arise from their personal journeys. Their unique perspectives cultivate empathy and spark innovation, enabling us to develop solutions that are not only practical but also meaningful. At Vacro, you’ll be part of a culture that champions inclusivity and values every voice, empowering you to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

Who we are looking for

You bring experience leading programs that support people with complex needs—particularly those impacted by the justice system, homelessness, or systemic disadvantage. You’re someone who sees strength in others, leads ethically and is an innovative thinker.

You also have:

Strong people leadership and program management experience, ideally for justice-involved and homeless individuals.

A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminology or related field.

Outstanding creative and critical thinking skills with a focus on solution design and big-picture thinking.

A collaborative approach and the ability to build cross-sector relationships.

Significant experience in best-practice case management (strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive).

Understanding the homelessness, housing-first principles, tenancy sustainment.

Confidence in managing data, reporting, and continuous improvement.

For a full list of key selection criteria, see the position description.

What we offer

Vacro is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to staff wellbeing. We provide extensive on-boarding training and ongoing professional development for staff, amongst other benefits.

How to apply

To apply, or for any enquiries regarding the role, kindly email us at [email protected] using the subject line: Arc Program Manager

Please refer to https://www.vacro.org.au/work-at-vacro for a copy of the position description

In your application, please include your resume (and or CV), and a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria in the position description.

Please email your application to [email protected] by 5:00pm on Monday 22 September 2025.

Vacro has a rigorous recruitment process. Some roles at Vacro require applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment and this may include psychometric testing, and other screening checks.

We especially value the expertise of First Nations people, people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and people of diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or cultural adjustments during the recruitment process, please email Sarah Charles, Learning Development and Wellbeing Manager at [email protected] as part of your application.