Orana Neighbourhood House Manager

Orana Neighbourhood House is seeking an experienced, community-focused leader to become our next House Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven professional to lead a vibrant, community-managed organisation dedicated to helping people connect, learn, participate and belong.

Working closely with our volunteer Board of Governance, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Neighbourhood House, supporting a passionate team, strengthening community partnerships, developing inclusive programs and helping Orana grow its impact and build a sustainable future.

Connect, Learn & Belong.

Orana Neighbourhood House is a community-managed charity in Wantirna South, on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people.

We are a warm and welcoming place where people come together to learn, create, participate and build meaningful connections. Our work is grounded in community development, with a particular focus on wellbeing, social connection and reducing social isolation.

We offer a diverse range of affordable adult learning, wellbeing, creative, recreational and community programs, responding to the changing needs of the community around us.

A Role With Purpose

As House Manager, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of a well-established community organisation and make a genuine difference in the lives of local people.

You will lead a small and passionate team, work alongside a committed volunteer Board, and build relationships across the community to ensure Orana continues to respond to local needs.

The role brings together community leadership, people management, program development, partnerships and organisational sustainability. We are looking for someone who can move comfortably between the big picture and the practical day-to-day things that make a neighbourhood house work.

You will help:

• Listen to and respond to the changing needs of our community
• Create welcoming opportunities for people to connect, learn and participate
• Support and develop our staff, tutors and volunteers
• Build strong relationships and partnerships across the local community
• Strengthen the quality and reach of our programs
• Identify opportunities to grow our impact and financial sustainability
• Ensure the House remains well governed, safe, inclusive and responsive

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for an authentic, collaborative and community-minded leader who understands that good leadership starts with relationships.

You may come from a neighbourhood house, community organisation, adult education, social services or another not-for-profit setting. You will bring leadership experience, strong communication and organisational skills, and the ability to balance community needs with sound operational and financial management.

Most importantly, you will be someone who genuinely believes in the value of community, inclusion, participation and connection.

Experience in community development, adult and community education, staff and volunteer leadership, grants and funding, partnerships and financial management will be highly valued.

Why Orana?

This is an opportunity to join an organisation where the work you do has a visible and meaningful impact.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead a much-loved community organisation!
• Work with a dedicated team and volunteer Board
• Build on Orana's strong community connections
• Develop programs that make a real difference
• Help shape Orana's next chapter
• Make a meaningful contribution to a more connected and inclusive community

Ready to Join Us?

Please click "Apply Now" and submit your CV and a brief cover letter (no more than two pages) addressing:

• Your leadership approach: How have you created a positive, inclusive and supportive culture for staff, volunteers and/or community members in a previous leadership role? Please provide an example.
• Your connection to Orana: What draws you to community and neighbourhood house work, and how do your experience, skills and values connect with Orana Neighbourhood House and the role of Manager?

For full details about the position, including responsibilities, qualifications, selection criteria and mandatory requirements, please refer to the attached Position Description below.

Orana Neighbourhood House is committed to child safety, diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.