Program Manager – Families

This position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD), which allows for genuine occupational requirements in roles providing culturally specific services.

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1991-085#sec.25

About Us

Kurbingui Youth & Family Development is a proud Aboriginal- Community Organisation based on Turrbal Country in North Brisbane, Yuggera Country in South Brisbane and Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Country in Moreton Bay, with programs and services expanding across Southeast Queensland.

For over 20 years, we’ve been walking alongside our community – supporting families, young people and individuals through suite of programs, which include but are not limited to: Family Support , Social & Emotional Wellbeing, Employment & Training, NDIS Support, , Youth Justice & Bail Diversionary Programs, Family and Child Connections, Youth School &  Community, Domestic and Family Violence Response,  Early Years Education as well as a wide range of cultural and community workshops and events.

At Kurbingui, we believe that true impact happens when people feel seen, supported and empowered. We’re not just building programs – we’re building pathways, opportunities and stronger futures for our community. As we continue to grow, we remain grounded in culture, guided by our values, and driven by a vision of connection, empowerment and lasting change.

Kurbingui is recognised as a leading community organisation in Brisbane, trusted for our commitment to primarily Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families, children and their young people as well as non-Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse members within the communities we serve.

Our programs and services are built on cultural knowledge, respect and partnership. We are proud to be a respected and reliable voice in the community, and we continue to grow so that we can reach and support more people across Queensland.

Joining Kurbingui means becoming part of a movement that is strengthening culture, creating opportunity and making a difference every day.

About the Role

This is an Identified Position. Applicants will identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and demonstrate substantial experience in Program Management.

At Kurbingui, we believe strong families and communities are the foundation for positive futures. As a Program Manager – Families, you’ll play a vital leadership role in guiding our teams to deliver high-quality, culturally safe programs and services that make a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.

Every day brings the opportunity to shape and strengthen services — from overseeing program delivery and compliance, to supporting Team Leaders and Practitioners, building strong community partnerships, and ensuring that families are connected to the right supports at the right time. You’ll lead the Yeaca Dhargo Family Wellbeing Service, the Numula Domestic & Family Violence Safety Response Program, and other community access initiatives, helping to embed family-led decision making and best practice across all service areas.

This isn’t just a management role — it’s a chance to influence meaningful change. You’ll join a collaborative leadership team, work alongside Elders, partners and stakeholders, and support your staff to deliver programs that empower families, strengthen culture, and keep children safe in community, not in care.

If you’re someone who thrives on leading others, can balance operational detail with big-picture vision, and are committed to walking alongside community with integrity, respect and cultural strength, we’d love you to be part of the Kurbingui family.

About You

Essential

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• You are passionate about walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities, and you thrive in leadership environments grounded in cultural values, respect, and strong community connections.
• You bring significant experience in managing programs and teams within community services, child protection, family wellbeing, youth work, or a related field, with the ability to guide staff and services through complex challenges using culturally safe, strengths-based approaches.
• You are a natural leader, communicator and relationship builder, confident engaging with Elders, community members, staff, government and non-government stakeholders.
• You hold a strong understanding of child protection and family wellbeing, and the vital role of cultural connection in achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.
• You hold relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience in psychology, social work, community services, youth work, early childhood, or family and children’s support, with a focus on program and people management.
• You have (or can obtain) a Positive Notice Blue Card, NDIS Worker Screen Check, First Aid and CPR, Criminal History check, and a current Queensland Driver’s License.
• You are confident with IT systems and Microsoft Office Suite, and experienced in reporting, compliance, and maintaining accurate program records and databases.
• You are committed to living Kurbingui’s mission, vision and values, ensuring cultural safety, accountability, and teamwork in everything you do.

Desirable

• You have prior experience working in the Not-for-Profit sector and with government funding contracts.
• You have demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) children, young people, and families.
• You bring a strong understanding (or willingness to quickly learn) of legislation, policy frameworks, compliance requirements, and funding obligations relating to family and youth services.
• You have experience supervising, coaching, or supporting staff in frontline or senior roles, with the ability to foster a positive team culture.
• You bring initiative, integrity, and a strong learning orientation, while contributing to a leadership culture that upholds Kurbingui’s values of personal growth, harmony, and community empowerment.

What we provide you

• Competitive Salary + Super + Salary Sacrifice (Increase your take home pay with our Not-For-Profit Salary Sacrifice options)
• Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities
• Purpose driven organisation working towards enhancing community safety & Paid parental leave for eligible employees
• Access to Ceremonial, Cultural & Community Service Leave
• Access to free and confidential counselling and support through our EAP service.
• Access to Internal Supervision and paid External Professional Supervision
• Access to  all necessary Tools of the trade – Smart Phone & Laptop (Pool vehicle for business travel)
• Support for career development, including annual performance reviews, structured supervision frameworks, professional training opportunities, development plans & succession planning.

Key Selection Criteria

• Solid knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and their cultures, and a general understanding of the issues that are affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in contemporary Australian society.
• Highly developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, consultation, negotiation and liaison skills (especially in relation to Indigenous families and communities) including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively with families, children and external sources/agencies.
•  Demonstrated management and/or team leader / supervision skills.
• Demonstrated experience in the professional supervision of team members involving critical reflection, to enhance both their practice skills and professional knowledge-base.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in the delivery and support of early intervention.
• High level understanding of child protection and youth justice systems in Queensland including the significance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child placement principles, frameworks and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated time management skills, with ability to balance and prioritise various client engagement, staff management, staff supervision and administrative and reporting requirements including use of various databases.
• Willing and able to work within a culturally competent context and Kurbingui Youth Development’s mission, vision and values.

 How to Apply

If this sounds like an opportunity that was made for you, what are you waiting for? We want to hear from you. Click the apply now button to submit your application or address your resume and cover letter to Leela Horne – Senior People and Capability Manager  lhorne@kurbingui.org.au. Your application must include a resume and cover letter that includes responses to the key selection criteria listed above.

Employment is conditional upon possessing and maintaining a Positive Blue Card, Current Driver’s License and Police Screening checks prior to and throughout employment.

For a copy of the position description for this role, please email tridley@kurbingui.org.au

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

To Apply or for more information visit: