Hybrid project-based fixed term | SCHADS SACS Level 4
Online + Canberra | Australia-wide applications
The Opportunity
Lead delivery of one of Australia’s flagship youth civic programs
Y Australia is recruiting Program Team Leaders for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, an immersive national civic leadership experience where young Australians aged 16–18 debate, collaborate and experience democracy in action.
This is a short-term, high-impact leadership opportunity on a national stage, with responsibility for guiding safe, high-quality program delivery and leading a team of Program Leaders throughout the experience.
As a Program Team Leader, you will provide leadership to a team of Program Leaders, oversee participant wellbeing and safeguarding compliance, and ensure smooth, coordinated delivery across the program lifecycle.
The Organisation
The YMCA (‘the Y’) is the largest youth movement in the world, reaching 65 million people across more than 120 countries. In Australia, 12 member associations span over 680 communities, supported by 11,500+ staff and volunteers.
Y Australia is the national body that enables and amplifies this federation, leading national programs, advocacy and collaboration in support of young people across the country.
What You Will Do
• Lead, guide and support a team of Program Leaders
• Oversee participant supervision, wellbeing and safeguarding compliance
• Facilitate structured sessions and support program delivery as required
• Coordinate team communications and daily briefings during the residential program
• Fulfil supervision and duty-of-care responsibilities, including overnight and travel
• Contribute to program planning, training and post-program evaluation
The residential program involves extended working hours, including early mornings, late evenings and overnight supervision responsibilities, in line with award provisions.
Commitment (Essential)
You must be available for:
• Online onboarding and preparation from late April
• In-person training in Canberra: 2–3 June 2026
• Residential program delivery in Canberra: 16–20 August 2026
• Possible additional travel days aligned to participant supervision
• Post-program debrief activities
About you
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in youth, education or community settings
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child-safe frameworks
• Experience managing supervision responsibilities in structured programs
• High-level communication, organisational and leadership skills
• Ability to remain calm, decisive and solutions-focused in dynamic environments
Highly Regarded:
• Previous involvement in Youth Parliament (taskforce, supervisor/team leader or participant)
• Knowledge of Australian civics and parliamentary systems
• First Aid or Mental Health First Aid certification
What You’ll Gain
• Senior program leadership experience in a nationally recognised initiative
• Experience leading multi-site teams in a complex, high-intensity environment
• Exposure to national civic processes and stakeholder engagement
• Contribute directly to youth voice and democratic engagement
Successful applicants must hold or obtain a valid Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check and National Police Check, and have the legal right to work in Australia.
Apply Now: If you’re ready to combine purpose, intensity and impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications will close 5pm on Sunday 1 March 2026.
The Position Description can be found here. For enquiries or to request a Position Description, contact: peopleandculture@ycareers.org.au
A key part of our application process is our safeguarding screening. We are committed to empowering all children and young people to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. All candidates are appropriately screened to ensure the right people are in the right roles. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know – we’re here to support you.
