The Program Manager Canberra is a key member of OBA’s leadership team, supporting the Head of Operations by overseeing Tharwa Campus management, program administration, and operational delivery in the ACT region.
The Tharwa Campus is undergoing a significant transformation, with major investment to create an inspiring outdoor education hub. Recent improvements include new bushcraft workshops, a bushcraft ‘possum kitchen,’ a new operations office, and upgrades to the ropes course and initiatives. A Communal Centre with a commercial kitchen, dining/meeting space for 140 people, and corporate offices is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. Implementing strong campus management systems to support new programs and efficient property operations is now a critical priority.
The role is highly collaborative, working across operational teams, schools, community clients, contractors, service providers, and local stakeholders. As part of the OBA leadership team, the Program Manager has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals and groups while contributing to a dynamic, challenging, and passionate community.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Vision & Leadership
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the strategic vision and program delivery for Outward Bound Australia at the Tharwa Campus and in the ACT region.
- Strengthen campus management systems to ensure the effective and safe operation of the site and facilities.
- Build strong relationships with OBA staff as a trusted professional, listening, consulting, and communicating widely to identify and resolve operational issues affecting program quality, professional practice, or risk and safety.
- Collaborate as an active member of the OBA leadership team, sharing goals and accountability for outcomes.
- Oversee rostering, workplans, and supervision of staff within your responsibility, providing feedback, performance management, and development reviews
- Promote innovation and improvement by reviewing program delivery processes and context and challenging existing practices
Tharwa Campus Management
- Maintain gardens and grounds in line with the campus masterplan to care for the environment, create inspiring outdoor education spaces, and uphold professional quality standards.
- Direct minor works, maintenance, and landscaping, including planning, prioritisation, budgeting, and deployment of staff or contractors.
- Coordinate rental accommodation arrangements for staff on campus in collaboration with the Corporate Services Manager.
- Manages food storage facilities, the possum kitchen, Communal Centre kitchen, and catering staff to ensure quality and compliance.
- Oversee cleaning services, including scheduling, equipment, supplies, and contractors, covering hygiene facilities, composting, rubbish collection, and pest control.
- Manage utility services (water, sewage, electricity, gas, ICT connections, etc.) in collaboration with the Corporate Services Manager.
Tharwa Campus and ACT/NSW Program Delivery
- Partner with Program Coordinators to design, schedule, and deliver programs for Tharwa Campus and the ACT region, aligning with client objectives, site logistics, innovation opportunities, and risk and safety considerations (e.g. weather).
- Respond to inquiries, host site tours, and manage client liaison, bookings, and customer service for Tharwa Campus venue hire, including client reception and support during their stay.
- Coordinate OBA events at Tharwa Campus, such as All Staff training, the AGM, visits from government officials, and other community activities.
- Administer operational licenses and campsite permits required for Tharwa Campus and NSW/ACT program delivery.
- Administer catering menu development, and food ordering for Tharwa Campus.
- Oversee catering operations, including menu planning, food ordering, storage, and stocktakes for Tharwa and ACT programs.
- Maintain program administration documents specific to the location, including Activity Files, Local Operating Manuals, risk assessments, and operational systems.
- Deliver in-person school and client program briefings in Canberra.
- Step into the role of Program Coordinator as needed for Tharwa Campus or ACT programs.
- Support the creation of new program activities, including outdoor activities, bushcraft, environmental education, Indigenous engagement, and other local initiatives.
- Contribute to business development by building relationships with schools and community groups to expand program participation and build campus utilisation.
- Demonstrate a hands-on, team-first approach by assisting with program delivery and campus upkeep when required, including tasks such as driving, mowing, cleaning, or food packing to ensure safe, high-quality operations.
Risk, Safety & Quality Management
- Serve on the 24-hour OnCall roster as the contact point for Program Coordinators needing assistance, escalating to the Critical Incident Plan (CIP) when required.
- Help lead decision-making and communications in response to changing circumstances to ensure safe program delivery, including modification, cancellation, or evacuation if necessary.
- Contribute to program and incident reviews and to quality improvement initiatives.
- Stay current with relevant regulations and standards (e.g. Australian Adventure Activity Standards – AAAS) and update operational documents and practices accordingly.
- Oversee accreditation and quality assurance processes (e.g. ACA), along with external compliance inspections, licenses, and reviews (e.g. refrigeration, electrical tagging, commercial kitchen licensing).
- Collaborate with colleagues to apply risk and safety policies and practices that prioritise the wellbeing of participants, staff, and the community.
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience in outdoor education or recreation program operations and facilities management, including risk and safety management.
- Catering and food operations experience, including oversight of a commercial kitchen, food procurement, and meal preparation/service.
- Proven leadership and people management, including line management, staff training, mentoring, and supervision.
- Strong project management and administration skills, with proficiency in digital systems, written communication, and document/record management.
- Stakeholder relationship management across clients, suppliers, business development, and diverse community engagement.
- Event management expertise, including promotion, logistics, and client services.
Attributes and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of outdoor and experiential learning, with care for the environment and a passion for the Australian bush.
- Skilled relationship builder with excellent communication, vision-setting, and negotiation abilities.
- Practical, hands-on problem solver with a ‘can do’ approach.
- Accountable, hardworking, and committed, with strong project management skills.
- Collaborative team player with a whole-of-organisation mindset to drive innovation, improvement, and resilience.
- Self-motivated commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Alignment with OBA’s vision and values.
Qualifications
- Current Working with Children Check (ACT)
- First Aid and CPR currency
- Manual driving license
- Light Rigid Bus license
Preferred but not essential:
- Cert IV or Diploma in Outdoor Leadership or equivalent – with the following electives preferred: bushwalk, abseil, top-rope climb, high ropes elements, canoeing flat water, rafting white water, mountain biking.
- Cert IV or Degree in Business Administration, Environmental Sustainability, Project Management or similar
- Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or ability to attain within first 3 months of employment)
- Wilderness First Aid
Full position description can be found here https://www.outwardbound.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PD.-Program-Manager-Canberra.pdf
