• Permanent I Full time
• Competitive Salary + Super + Salary Packaging + RDO + Flexible Working
• Location: Thomastown or Heidelberg; Wurindjeri Country

Kids First have a prominent 130-year history of safeguarding children achieved through an unwavering commitment to people and transformation. As we continue to evolve and expand our impact, we are focused on strengthening partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and responding to changing community needs across family, youth, and early years services.

Your new role

As General Manager - Growth & Strategic Partnerships, you will play a key leadership role in identifying and progressing opportunities that strengthen organisational impact and expand services for children, young people, and families across VIC, NSW, SA and WA.

Your core accountabilities:

• Identify and prioritise strategic growth opportunities aligned to organisational goals
• Build and manage senior relationships across federal, state and local government plus the community, education and commercial sectors
• Represent Kids First in high level partnership discussions and negotiations
• Assess new opportunities, including funding, service delivery, and market viability
• Oversee strategic initiatives and support disciplined delivery through internal teams
• Monitor policy, funding, and sector trends to inform organisational positioning and future opportunities

About you

You are a strategic and influential leader who can confidently operate in complex environments and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience with accountability for strategic initiatives and outcomes
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing capability
• Sound strategic judgement and the ability to navigate ambiguity
• Experience identifying and progressing growth, partnership, or service opportunities
• Commercial awareness and the ability to assess operational and financial considerations
• A collaborative and outcome focused leadership style
• Experience across community services, education, or adjacent sectors will be highly regarded.

How we reward you

• An organisation that truly lives its values
• Kids First understands the importance of flexible working and has a policy to support this
• Be nurtured in your career, including professional development opportunities
• Enjoy ‘not for profit' benefits such as salary packaging to increase your take home pay
• We know how important it is to spend time with family which is why you get 3 additional leave days at Christmas
• Purchased leave and portable long service leave options
• Access our Staff Wellbeing Program

Don't delay, apply now!

To view a full position description or to apply, go to: https://kidsfirst.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6891554.

Applications close 25 May 2026 ay 10pm.

For inquiries about the position: Mark Heeney, Director - Transformation and Impact, mheeney@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au

Kids First is an Equal Opportunity employer that respects and values diversity and inclusion. Kids First welcomes everyone to apply, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and physical ability.

Kids First is a Child Safe Organisation. Employment is conditional on satisfactory referee checks, a current Working With Children Check, National Criminal History Check, proof of the right to work in Australia and a pre employment medical (if applicable).