About the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF) is nation-leading organisation that uses the power of sport to deliver life-changing programs.
Established by the Western Bulldogs Football Club in 2012 as a separate entity, the foundation uses the trusted brand of the club to deliver programs that give everybody the opportunity to thrive. With a focus on young people, gender equity, prevention of family violence, diversity, inclusion, and community wellbeing, our programs reach over 5000 people, from Melbourne’s inner west, right out to the South Australian border.
The WBCF is registered as a Public Benevolent Institution with DGR status and its own Board. The WBCF is also an accredited social enterprise with Social Traders. Funded by local, state, and federal government and partners including Major Partner WorkSafe Victoria, our programs are designed in collaboration with the community and are rigorously independently evaluated by Victoria University each year to ensure they remain best practice and drive positive change.
We strive every day to create an impact that inspires. More information about the Foundation can be found at https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation.
Your contribution to the team includes
As the Head of Programs & Impact, you will lead the organisation’s strategic direction by working closely with the GM‑WBCF, Program Managers, and key internal and external stakeholders to deliver high‑quality programs and strengthen partnerships. You will drive the evolution, expansion, and evaluation of programs, oversee implementation of the Theory of Change and Impact Framework, and ensure resources and funding are effectively secured and allocated. Overall, you will play a pivotal role in achieving strategic growth, increasing community participation, and enhancing WBCF’s overall impact. This role will also be responsible for:
Strategic Program Delivery & Impact Measurement
- Ensure a thriving, industry-leading WBCF through program delivery that is creating opportunities for community to connect with others and building healthy, safe and equal lives.
- Grow our position as thought leaders in the sector and wider community using programs as the evidence base
- identify and capitalise on innovative program development opportunities, including social enterprise and fee-for-service programs, to address community needs and enhance organisational sustainability
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders of compelling pitches and proposals
- Support the integration of corporate partners into organisational programs, establishing clear reporting mechanisms to measure ROI
Program Evolution & Strategic Partnerships
- Oversee the development and implementation of WBCF’s Impact Measurement Framework
- In partnerships with the Program managers, monitor program performance and proactively make adjustments
- Continuously seek innovative approaches and stay abreast of industry trends to enhance the organisations impact, effectiveness, and relevance in the community
- Support GM to develop and maintain WBCF’s government relations at the Federal, State, and Local levels, providing advice and support and to influence decisions
- Lead existing government relations contract execution and monitor deliverables
Strategic Planning & Governance
- Collaborate with the GM, the Board and Senior Managers to develop and implement the foundations strategic direction and goals
- Streamline operations, optimise resource allocation, and implement strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, and overall performance
- Collaborate with the finance team and program managers to contribute to proactive and achievable budget planning
- Manage financial resources and allocate funds effectively to support program delivery
Skills and experience
- Bachelors or master’s degree in community development, social sciences, public health, or nonprofit management (Preferred)
- Expertise in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence‑based community programs
- Strong ability to build and manage government, corporate, and community partnerships
- Skilled in identifying and developing innovative and sustainable program opportunities.
- Proven capability in strategic planning, governance, and organisational improvement.
- Solid financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
- Effective communicator with experience creating proposals, reports, and impact stories.
- Strong people leadership, team development, and stakeholder engagement skills.
What’s on offer
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Flexible working arrangements – up to 2 days working remotely opportunity
- Generous salary packaging arrangement available
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Additional Work Life Leave – provided to those who are required to work weekends
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Birthday Leave – a day of leave available in the week of your birthday
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Close to West Footscray Station with free onsite parking available
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Club membership – Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
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Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
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Deals & Discounts with Club corporate sponsors – over 40% in some cases
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Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer’s Leave available
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Wellbeing focus including – we support our staff to complete a proactive wellbeing plan, access to club gym, wellbeing sessions and activities across the year
How To Apply
Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and satisfactory national criminal history check.
If you are interested in working in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position, please click on APPLY & attach your resume and a cover letter outlining your key attributes. Applications close at 5pm Tuesday 31st March. Please note, shortlisted candidates may be contacted prior to closing date.
Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
