Community Activation Manager

Our Vision is a better tomorrow where all people can belong. 

As the largest employer in fitness and recreation we have more than 5,000 staff at over 140 centres across Victoria. With us, you will work with fun colleagues who have a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals and transforming communities for the better.

About the BLAF

The Boroondara Leisure & Aquatics Facilities are owned by City of Boroondara and proudly managed by YMCA Victoria. The Facilites are home to 4 large Aquatic & Recreation Facilities including Ashburton Pool & Recreation Centre, Boroondara Sports Complex, Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre, and Kew Recreation Centre (under redevelopment). The facilities receive over 2.5 million visits per annum, housing indoor and outdoor pools, health clubs, cafe's, group fitness rooms, and stadiums.

About the Role

As the Community Activation Manager for BLAF you will be a key leader providing leadership and vision for the Activating Boroondara Initiative, playing a broader role within both the YMCA and Council.

Our customers and staff teams come from all walks of life. Our culture of inclusion and being socially connected are what makes us stand out. We are proud to work with the local City of Boroondara community and we are looking for a leader who values making a difference in the lives of others. A leader who can help carry our vision and inspire those they lead to impact, develop and grow.

This position plays a pivotal role in connecting the BLAF, Council, and Community together to activate diverse, non-traditional users in the community and help them be more active and connected. The position will have a heavy emphasis on "activating" outside the four walls of the facilities, overseeing the Disability Sports & Recreation Hub, along with managing key partnerships with Disability Sport & Recreation, Proud2Play, Aspect Autism + more!

The Community Activation Manager is responsible for the delivery of the Boroondara Leisure and Aquatic Facilities’ Community Activation strategy including:

• The delivery of the Activating Boroondara Initiative and a year-round calendar of programs, services and events designed to bring physical activity to community spaces e.g. parks, gardens, community centres, libraries, retirement centres, CALD centres and community houses.
• Work directly with Council departments, community organisations and groups, such as Disability Sport and Recreation, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Blind Sports Victoria, AFL Victoria, Access Health and Community, University of the Third Age, and various state sporting organisations.
• Focus on improving opportunities for identified cohorts to participate in sport and recreation, in particular older adults, CALD communities, youth, socially isolated, disadvantage people, and those living with a disability, chronic illness or additional needs.

This position is being offered on a full-time basis with a total remuneration package between $97,586- $100,514 + super, experience dependent.

About You

As Community Activation Manager, you will be a considered decision maker and will be able to manage a multitude of tasks utilising good time management and organisational skills. Additionally, you will be:

• Able to present the YMCA to the local community as well as provide leadership and vision for the facility and its staff.
• Able to work both independently and as part of the leisure team.
• An excellent oral and written communicator, you will be able to work in partnership with the City of Boroondara team as well as other community groups to develop programs and services to meet the needs of the community.
• Self-motivated, able to engage staff and the community and will be able to drive the outcomes withing the Activating Boroondara Initiaitive.
• Organised and have a demonstrated ability to engage staff and improve business performance and social outcomes with strong project management skills.
• Be able to foster a culture of safety at the facility and have experience managing risk
• Aligned with the Y's values is critical for this role.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience in a similar leadership role within the Sports & Recreation industry, experience in Local Government or Health Promotion will be highly regarded, but if you have significant Community or Social work experience, we would love to hear from you.

• Tertiary qualifications in Sports Management, Business Management, or other related field will be highly regarded
• Previous leadership experience- essential
• HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation- essential
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid- essential

YMCA Victoria (the Y) has robust policies and practices to prevent harm to children and young people. The Y is committed to identifying and removing potential risks and hazards. Hence, all our candidates are appropriately screened by checking professional references and a working with children check. Depending on the role, a National Police Check may also be undertaken. 

Benefits

At the Y Victoria we value our people. Working for us means you’ll enjoy great work/life balance and a range of benefits which improve your wellbeing and help you develop as an individual, such as;

• Opportunities for career development and growth
• Free access to gyms, recreation, and aquatics centres across the state
• Free access to the Virtual Y – online health and wellness

How to Apply

If this is you, click the Apply button now. For any enquiries on this position, please contact Ben Porteous on benjamin.porteous@ymca.org.au. Applications for this position will close on the 12th of October.

Y Victoria is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and social inclusion. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Y Victoria are proud to be a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to respond to every applicant.