Organisation : Collingwood Children's Farm
Location : Melbourne
Work type : Full-time
Sector : Animals, Children, Community Development
Salary type : Annual Package
About the organisation
The Collingwood Children’s Farm is an iconic not-for-profit urban farm situated on the Yarra River in Melbourne. Boasting an extensive range of animals and garden spaces, it is open to the public all year round offering visitors the experience of farm life in the inner city.
The farm operates a range of programs and activities supporting children and people of disadvantage via their school educational tours, Young Farmers and disability programs. It also plays a key role in engaging the community by hosting a number of popular events that promote agriculture and local produce in Victoria.
The success of the farm relies heavily on word of mouth and the community effort with staff and volunteers working collaboratively to maintain the farm, keep it sustainable and to ensure visitors have a great experience.
About the role
- Lead a Melbourne institution that works closely for and with the community
- Provide experience of farm life and activities for children and people of disadvantage
- Would suit candidates with an education, community, tourism or agriculture background
The Role
Reporting to a Committee of Management you will develop and implement the farm’s strategic plan, oversee the farm’s education and support programs as well as managing general operations including OH&S, finance and staff responsibilities.
This role requires vision and strategic thinking but also hands on management/oversight of a working farm, programs, functions and activities. Being highly communicative it requires a large amount of staff and community engagement and the ability to manage the farm in a way that focuses on visitor experience.
Specifically you will be responsible for:
- Strategic planning, governance and accountability to a voluntary Committee of Management
- Farming and land management: maintaining the health of the animals and the sustainable use of farm land
- Human Resources: recruitment, staff rostering, training and volunteer engagement
- Finances: control of budget, payroll, accounts, grant management and investments
- General oversight of the farm’s programs, educational tours, major events and OH&S
- People management of a large multifunctional team of around 30 mostly part time staff and volunteers
- Community engagement and relationship management with a large group of diverse stakeholders
Skills Required
This role would be suited to a hands-on people manager who is a natural and relaxed communicator across a broad cross-section of the community. You are currently in a leadership role managing a large team with broad responsibility across various organisational functions.
Your background may be in education, community development, tourism, animal husbandry or horticulture in a role that requires you to be frequently engaging with people. Ideally you have had exposure to education programs, agriculture or community engagement.
Your ability to understand the unique nature of an urban farm and engage its visitors, staff and stakeholders, coupled with your visionary thinking and ability to work hands on will be the key to your success in this role.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: General Manager at Collingwood Children's Farm via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Animals, #Children, #Community_Development
