Mary MacKillop Today is an international and community development organisation with a long-standing commitment to supporting and empowering people who face marginalisation in communities within Australia and Overseas.
Mary MacKillop Today walks alongside people and communities at the margins, in Australia and Internationally, in the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop. We create opportunities for self-determination through learning for life so that all might flourish. Mary MacKillop Today is a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph which implements programs that provide education, in all its forms, in Timor-Leste, Australia, Peru and Fiji. We work in the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop and Rev Julian Tenison Woods, inspired by their faith, legacy and grounded practical work.
Mary MacKillop Today is a signatory of the Australian Council for International Development’s Code of Conduct and is accredited with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Consequently, we have a high degree of accountability and transparency. Mary MacKillop Today is committed to protecting the rights of children and vulnerable adults everywhere we work, and preferred candidates are subject to child safe recruitment screening.
Please see our current vacancies below:
Programs Director
The Programs Director will oversee effective program delivery to ensure all programs are high quality, impactful and delivered in alignment with best practice sector standards and contractual requirements, including overseeing all areas of operational and risk management.
The Programs Director will be responsible for driving the development and implementation of Mary MacKillop Today’s country strategies, including identifying and developing mutually beneficial partnerships that further the strategic priorities of both Mary MacKillop Today and our partner organisations.
Reporting to the CEO, the Programs Director supports a large team of five direct reports (including the Country Director of the Timor-Leste office with 50+ local staff) in the implementation of Mary MacKillop Today’s domestic and overseas aid and development programs including: those delivered in Australia (which include remote offices in Central-west NSW); through our country office in Timor-Leste; and through current partnerships in Peru and Fiji.
This position sits on the Leadership Team and will contribute to the organisational management and strategic direction of the organisation.
Key responsibilities
Drive the Strategic Development of Australian and International Programs
- As part of the Leadership Team, provide Strategic input to the development, implementation and monitoring of the Mary MacKillop Today Strategic Plan.
- Lead the development and implementation of Mary MacKillop Today’s Country Strategies, ensuring they effectively capture and reflect the voices of communities where we work.
- Ensure the International Program portfolio is delivered in-line with best practice sector standards and regulatory requirements for accreditation including those of DFAT and ACFID.
- Drive the continual development and application of Mary MacKillop Today’s Impact strategy across the organisation
- Identify, develop and manage mutually beneficial partnerships and develop Mary Mackillop Today’s unique partnership approach to further the strategic priorities of both Mary MacKillop Today and our partner organisations.
- Provide innovative strategic direction to our work with staff and partners which demonstrates, defines and measures the “value add” of Mary MacKillop Today.
- Proactively represent Mary MacKillop Today to key stakeholders, including major donors, the church, government representatives, and international development networks.
- Provide strategic guidance in the ongoing development of the organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
- Provide strategic guidance in the ongoing development of the organisations Locally-led Development strategy including with international offices.
- Provide strategic guidance in the development of the organisation’s Advocacy strategy.
Ensure the effective delivery of Australian and International Programs
- Manage the effective design, coordination, and delivery of Mary MacKillop Today’s Australian and International Programs.
- Support the team to coordinate all aspects of the project cycle, including program design, submission of program reports and preparation of funds transfers.
- Deliver financial and narrative reporting for programs, including liaising with program staff and partners to ensure deadlines are met.
- Oversee all ANCP grant management, compliance, and reporting, including reaccreditation.
- Lead the scoping, planning and negotiation phase of all new international partnerships and coordinate related tasks including negotiating partnership agreements, conducting capacity assessments and due diligence checks, and developing learning action plans with the relevant Program Coordinator.
- Remain abreast of contemporary thinking on international development and implications for Mary MacKillop Today’s program development and implementation.
- Support the timely lodgement of tenders or submissions of applications for program funding or grants to support the growth and sustainability of Mary MacKillop Today’s programs.
Lead and manage a geographically dispersed team of staff, including overseeing all areas of operational management
- Lead and mentor a geographically dispersed team of staff in Sydney and Timor- Leste, including promoting cross-team learning and effective collaboration.
- Support the Timor-Leste Country Director to oversee the operational management of Mary MacKillop Today’s Timor-Leste Country Office, including overseeing resource and asset management, staff safety and security, and policy compliance.
- Oversee the operational management of Mary MacKillop Today’s remote offices in NSW, including resource and asset management, staff safety and security, and policy compliance.
- Oversee the performance management of the Programs Team including orientation, staff training and annual performance reviews.
- Demonstrate a participatory and respectful management style that fosters collegiality between Mary MacKillop Today staff.
- Oversee the identification, assessment and management of financial, reputational and operational risks involved in the delivery of our programs, including ensuring rigorous safeguarding controls are implemented in our country office and with overseas partners.
Enhance organisation-wide Program Quality and Impact
- Strengthen MMT programs to be high quality, evidence-based, and aligned to MMT’s strategic plan.
- Manage and support the continual development and application of MMT’s Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework across the whole organisation.
- Report to the CEO and Board of Directors on a regular basis ensuring they are informed of key achievements, challenges and risks associated with all Mary MacKillop Today International programs.
- Develop and manage processes for the dissemination of learning data and results with key stakeholders.
- Support staff in undertaking monitoring visits to program sites and participate in field visits as required.
Key Competencies and Selection Criteria
Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Essential
- Extensive experience managing complex international development programs, within a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) setting.
- Tertiary qualification in International Development or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in managing and mentoring staff and the ability to lead a team of remote-based staff in a cross-cultural setting.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with expertise in preparing and confidently presenting detailed proposals.
- Strong financial acumen including demonstrated experience in developing and monitoring program budgets, budget forecasting, and financial reporting in alignment with donor and contractual requirements.
- High level of cross-cultural communication skills, and exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.
- Experience in the implementation and oversight of ACFID Code Compliance and DFAT accreditation requirements including managing projects funded via the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
- Ability to travel internationally and domestically as required.
- Ability to work within and contribute to the Mission and Values of Mary MacKillop Today.
- Adherence to Mary MacKillop Today’s Safeguarding Policy, and willingness to undergo a criminal record check or statutory declaration of local legal equivalent where criminal records checks are unavailable or unreliable.
Desirable
- Experience managing complex community development programs in Australia.
- Experience working with faith-based organisations.
- Tertiary qualification in Community Development, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Studies, Program Management or a related field.
- Spoken and written language skills in Tetun and/or Spanish.
General Information
This position is a permanent full-time role reporting to the CEO of Mary MacKillop Today. We are based in North Sydney and work in a hybrid mode. The working environment is informal but professional, with very high standards of output and delivery. We are an enthusiastic, energetic and values- driven team. Our annual staff survey results reflect our supportive, compassionate and professional workplace culture.
This is classified as a Contact with Children position and therefore subject to child- safe recruitment screening. The preferred candidate must be willing to undergo a criminal record check or statutory declaration of local legal equivalent where criminal records checks are unavailable or unreliable. Where possible and as required by Mary MacKillop Today the Candidate must also be willing to undergo a working with children check.
Mary MacKillop Today is committed to achieving an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Applications
If you are an experienced senior Programs professional a commitment to contribute to the mission and values of Mary MacKillop Today, please apply with your resume together with a cover letter addressing the essential knowledge, skills and experience criteria to [email protected].
Applications close Monday August 18 at 9am
Schools and Community Engagement Coordinator
Mary MacKillop Today is looking for an inspiring and energetic educator to strengthen and increase the engagement of students and communities in our unique story of legacy and in the impact we have living our social justice mission today.
The Schools and Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for the strategy and implementation of a national justice education program for students, teachers, school and education communities across Australia. The successful candidate will build effective relationships with Catholic schools, diocesan education offices and Josephite education and justice networks. They will develop curriculum-linked educational, prayer, action, campaign and fundraising resources for schools. This position will have a key role in coordinating MMT’s multi-team approach to Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day.
Initially reporting to the CEO, this role will collaborate with the Marcomms, Fundraising and Programs teams.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Execution
- Develop a school strategy to deliver awareness, education, resources, and campaigns to increase school participation and engagement with the work of MMT.
- Facilitate cross-team collaborative planning to develop a strategy for MMT’s annual Mary MacKillop Feast Day including: program story focus, education and action resources, promotion and fundraising ideas.
Partnerships and networks
- Build relationships with diocesan school offices to promote MMT resources and activities and increase school participation in MMT’s mission.
- Build engagement with Josephite school networks (AJASS; JJAM).
- Participate in Josephite Justice Network (JJN) activities as a link to MMT’s development of an advocacy strategy.
Curriculum and Resources
- Identify opportunities for MMT-relevant resource development linked to school curriculum, particularly Religious Education curriculum.
- Develop presentations, workshops and relevant content for internal and external educational sessions as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience (to be addressed in cover letter)
Essential
- Degree in Education, International Development or related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Catholic schools.
- A sound knowledge of local and global social justice issues, and the approach of Catholic Social teaching in response to them.
- Proven experience in linking school curriculum to social justice outcomes.
- Proven ability to motivate and guide young people to participate in social justice initiatives
- Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
- Excellent presentation and workshop facilitation skills.
- Strong computer skills including PowerPoint.
Desirable
- Experience in advocacy and campaigns.
- Cross cultural, community development or international experience.
Other Essential
- Compliance with and observance of all current Mary MacKillop Today Policies, Procedures and Practices, including our WH&S Policies and Procedures.
- Ability to travel domestically as required.
- Ability to work within and contribute to the Mission and Values of Mary MacKillop Today.
General Information
This position is a permanent, full -time role based in North Sydney, and reports to the CEO of Mary MacKillop Today. We have flexible work options including some working from home. The working environment is informal but professional, with very high standards of output and delivery. We are a happy, enthusiastic and energy-filled group, with a positive value-driven culture.
The preferred candidate must be willing to undergo a criminal record check or statutory declaration of local legal equivalent where criminal records checks are unavailable or unreliable. Where possible and as required by Mary MacKillop Today the Candidate must also be willing to undergo a Working with Children check.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees, including those with diverse experiences and abilities, are valued and can thrive. We welcome the unique contributions of candidates from all backgrounds, including but not limited to varied education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. As advocates for diversity, we believe that innovative thinking comes from varied experiences and strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.
Applications
If you are an experienced teacher with a passion for social justice and a commitment to contribute to the mission and values of Mary MacKillop Today, please apply with your resume together with a cover letter responding to the Knowledge, Skills and Experience required at this link: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/job/47ccff85-0edc-4418-a0d5-e10cc4f56ed6/
If you have any questions in relation to this position, please send an email to [email protected].
Safeguarding Commitment
Mary MacKillop Today is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all people who come into contact with our organisation and our programs, especially children and vulnerable adults. Mary MacKillop Today is committed to the rights and protection of all people regardless of their age, gender, nationality, religion or political beliefs.
We explicitly prohibit all forms of harmful behaviour including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment of any kind against any persons, adult or child. We also prohibit exploitative, neglectful or emotionally abusive treatment of children. Mary MacKillop Today recognises our duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure people are safe from harm (including victims/survivors and whistle-blowers).
We are committed to demonstrating ongoing and effective leadership, communication, and to providing ongoing training and guidance to all persons within the scope of this Policy in the promotion and implementation of this policy.
Mary MacKillop Today is committed to creating an open and aware environment where concerns for the safety of children and vulnerable adults can be raised and managed in a fair and just manner to protect the rights of all.