Executive Manager – People, Projects & Impact Lead a values-driven people and culture portfolio at the heart of one of Melbourne’s most impactful social purpose organisations. A hands-on Executive role guiding a dedicated team—use your HR expertise to drive meaningful change A pivotal role in a dynamic organisation committed to breaking the cycle of disadvantage Flexible work for a healthy work/life balance; salary packaging benefits/ leave loading/PD budget Your impact This is more than a senior leadership role—it’s a chance to shape the future of a purpose-led organisation that changes lives every day. As Executive Manager – People, Projects & Impact, you will directly influence the culture, capability and wellbeing of a workforce that supports thousands of young people experiencing unemployment, mental health challenges and homelessness. This role includes leading our Youth Strategy and Practice Leads, who are embedding evidence-based practices into our programs, and this will guide Youth Projects through our next evolution of growth and impact. You’ll be a key architect of Youth Projects’ long-term growth and sustainability—building on the systems, practices and leadership that empower teams to deliver transformational outcomes across Victoria everyday, without judgement. About Youth Projects Youth Projects is an independent charity providing front-line support across employment, health, social enterprise, outreach, education and training services to individuals experiencing disadvantage. Youth Project is known for our innovative, client centred and responsive approach, we are scaling our impact with a bold strategic vision, strong values, and a future-focused workforce. Learn more at www.youthprojects.org.au The opportunity Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Executive Leadership Team, you will lead and influence the organisation’s approach to culture, leadership, safety and projects—ensuring Youth Projects remains people-first, future-ready and resilient through growth. You will: Lead workforce strategy and people systems that foster a high-performing, inclusive and values-aligned organisation Champion safe, compliant and empowering workplaces in partnership with operational leaders and the Quality, Compliance and Risk team Transition and elevate the work of our Youth Strategy & Practice Leads into an Executive function, embedding evidence-based practice, program logic, and impact measurement organisation-wide Support/oversee the delivery impactful organisational change projects aligned to sustainability and the strategic plan Foster leadership development, employee engagement and a workforce where lived experience is valued and represented at all levels. Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board and operational leaders on people, culture and WHS matters About you You are a thoughtful, innovative people & culture leader who flourishes in purpose-driven, values-led environments, where people and relationships come first. You demonstrate deep expertise in HR, combining strategic insight with practical, hands-on leadership to nurture culture, strengthen compliance, and guide meaningful change. You bring: Deep expertise across HR, ER/IR, and WHS frameworks Proven success in leading organisational change, project delivery and workforce development A collaborative and relational leadership style grounded in humility, integrity and courage Commitment to equity, lived experience inclusion and trauma-informed practices The ability to partner effectively with executive leaders, operational teams and external stakeholders Experience in youth, social enterprise, community health or other for purpose sectors is welcome, especially if you have worked in a fast-paced, community-led environment where values, inclusion and impact drive decision-making. If you're ready to support a diverse, purpose-driven workforce—and want to join a trusted, impact-focused leadership team—please apply with a resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested and what you can bring. Youth Projects is deeply committed to workforce equity. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, those with lived experience, LGBTQIA individuals, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. For a confidential discussion, contact Anna Skeels on 0413 955 or email socialcompassgroup.com.au.
