Manager

Background Overview:

Power Neighbourhood House (PNH) is a not-for-profit community-based organisation that was established more than 40 years ago, in 1984. It is a place where local residents of all ages can come together and connect with their community. The house provides a positive focus for community involvement and actively encourages participation of both participants and volunteers in programs and other activities. Since its establishment it has provided opportunities for learning, social interaction, referrals and support which has resulted in improved health, social, educational and economic outcomes for our local residents.                                                                   

Power Neighbourhood House is located in a public housing area within the suburb of Ashwood. Historically a large proportion of the local population were deemed disadvantaged based on economic, health, social and educational reasons. In 2021 the Socio-Economic Indicator Rank for Area (SEIFA) of the most disadvantaged SA1 in Ashwood/Chadstone dropped from 812 to 740, and is one of the most disadvantaged SA1s in Melbourne. At least 33.8% of Ashwood/Chadstone residents live with long term health conditions and 23% of households reported housing stress (Australia: 10.29%; Melbourne: 16.3%). This was before the current era of housing and rental shortage that has led to increased housing stress. More than half (50.3%) have moved into Ashwood/Chadstone between 2016 and 2021, indicating significant population churn.

Power Neighbourhood House Vision:

Power Neighbourhood House (PNH) is a place that supports and empowers all to participate in a vibrant, welcoming community.

• Reports to: Committee of Governance (CoG)
• Hours: 25 hours per week
• Remuneration: Neighbourhood House and Adult Community Education Centres Agreement 2024, Social and Community Service Employees (SCHADS) Award Level 6. Pay point depends on qualifications and experience
• Conditions: As per Neighbourhood House and Adult Community Education Centres Agreement 2024 
• Terms of Appointment: Permanent Part time
• External Liaisons: Government Agencies, Funding bodies, Community Organisations, local businesses and members of the public
• Internal: Committee of Governance, Staff, Teachers and volunteers, Students and participants

Position Objective:

To efficiently and effectively manage the day-to-day operation of Power, its staff, teachers and volunteers. To effectively maintain community development, planning and administration activities and promotion of the house in accordance with its mission and vision.

• Organisational Relationships: The Manager reports to Committee of Governance
• Direct reports to Manager:
  • Program Coordinator 
  • Finance/Administration Officer 
  • Good food connections support worker 
  • Students/casual staff 
  • Volunteers
• Extent of Authority: The CoG delegates responsibility to the Manager for the recruitment and management of staff. The CoG delegates responsibility to the Manager for organisational expenditure in line with the annual budget and within the scope of the current expenditure limits as detailed in the delegation of authority policy.

Key Responsibilities:

Committee of Governance:

• Liaise with the members of the Committee of Governance to ensure compliance with organisational governance requirements
• Provide regular reports to meetings of Committee of Governance as well as advice on programs and projects
• Liaise with Treasurer regarding financial reports
• Advertise and recruit new CoG members and provide orientation session to new CoG members
• Oversee the preparation of the annual financial audit and organisation of the Annual General Meeting.
• Support the annual strategic planning review process

Finance

• Prepare and/or coordinate fortnightly timesheets and pay
• Pay regular invoices and forward appropriate paperwork to accountant if needed
• Provide financial information regarding income and expenditure (grants, fees, payments etc) to Treasurer for preparation of monthly reports if needed

Compliance

• Ensure that the annual Business and Governance Statement (BGS) is completed by the auditor and that this is updated via Funded Agency Channel. 
• Complete the annual SACC and risk attestation and supply annual report via Funded Agency Channel within 7 days of the AGM
• Ensure NHVic (DFFH) reports are completed.
• Oversee reporting and acquittals for additional grants.
• Submit the annual AIS with ACNC by end of June each year.
• Oversee the financial accountability of Power including preparation and monitoring of annual budgets in collaboration with the Power Treasurer.

Community Development and Advocacy

• Manage and sufficiently resource Power in carrying out its role as a community-based organisation to effectively represent the interests and needs of its local community
• Manage and resource Power to provide opportunities for local residents to obtain and develop the necessary skills to enable and empower them to become active and fully involved in all decision-making affecting their local community
• Carry out ongoing research into community needs and seek resources to match those needs
• Coordinate and assist with the development of services and projects which respond to identified community needs
• Coordinate the various community development activities of Power
• Ability to build, foster and maintain relationships with various stakeholders including liaising with government agencies, community organisations or individuals relevant to the development of the local community
• Advocate on behalf of the local community members to support their to access to appropriate services and programs provided by Power.

Planning, Funding & Policy

• Implement the plans and policies of Power
• Actively research and support new initiatives in the local community
• Develop, implement and review policy and procedures in conjunction with the CoG
• Develop and co-ordinate funding submissions to support the achievement of Power’s strategic goals, annual plans and community programs.
• Initiate and lead the formulation of policy and planning, including the development of the triennial Strategic Plan, relevant to existing and future Power services and projects in consultation with the CoG.

Administration & Organisational Management

• Manage the administration and organisation of Power
• Develop and maintain efficient and effective organisational systems
• Oversee and authorise funding submissions and service agreement documents, in consultation with the Program Coordinator and report to CoG
• Liaise with funding bodies regarding service agreements and accountability requirements when required
• Oversee the completion of accountability reports for funding bodies in accordance with service agreements 
• Report monthly to the CoG regarding the activities of the organisation and opportunities for development to achieve the outcomes of the Strategic Plan
• Delegate duties to other staff when required.

Staff Management

• Ability to work in a small team environment in a consultative manner, supporting and supervising staff and volunteers
• Provide leadership, direction and team building to the staff of Power
• Coordinate training and professional development activities for staff
• Ensure OH&S compliance of the house staff and amenities
• Ensure legal obligations are met in regard to employment contracts and human resources management
• Initiate and chair regular staff meetings if required
• Conduct annual performance appraisals with office-based staff and work with staff to meet agreed outcomes
• Be responsible for the recruitment, orientation and induction of staff and volunteers.

Representative Role

• Represent Power at external meetings as required, or arrange appropriate representation
• Attend meetings and events to publicise, promote, and provide information on Power activities, views and issues
• Network with organisations relevant to the services provided by Power, as well as the local and wider communities.

Prerequisites

• Relevant tertiary qualification and relevant management experience
• Demonstrated experience in neighbourhood house, community centre or relevant organisation
• The ability to relate well to people from a variety of backgrounds including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, those on low income or unemployed and elderly people.
• The ability to identify community needs and to plan, develop, monitor and evaluate high quality programs to meet those needs
• High level administrative, organisational and negotiation skills
• National Police Check and Working with Children Check

Desirable

• Computer/word processing skills
• Knowledge of Xero Accounting package
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence and own car preferred
• First Aid Certificate

Key Selection Criteria

• A demonstrated working knowledge of community development and adult community education principles and practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a community setting with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and motivational capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability and experience to supervise and manage staff, with high level consultation and negotiation skills.
• A demonstrated knowledge of practical planning, evaluation processes and policy development.
• Effective written communication skills including submission and report writing.
• A demonstrated working knowledge of budgeting and financial management.
• A high level of administrative and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to network effectively with a broad range of agencies, peak bodies and community groups.