Role Overview

The Managing Director is the senior organisational leader responsible for guiding You Belong’s operations, team, programs and community partnerships in Toowoomba and

the surrounding region. This role ensures the organisation moves forward with clarity, integrity and purpose while remaining deeply connected to the needs and strengths of the Waymaker communities we serve.

The Managing Director provides steady, strategic leadership across all areas of the organisation. They oversee daily operations, strengthen systems and processes, support staff and volunteers, steward finances, cultivate partnerships, and drive program outcomes that reflect You Belong’s mission. Through strong relational leadership and a commitment to cultural intelligence, the Managing Director helps create an environment where both the team and the community can thrive.

This role holds a central place in shaping You Belong’s future, ensuring that our work remains sustainable, impactful and aligned with our values. It is an opportunity to champion belonging across the region and lead an organisation that is known for compassion, innovation and genuine community connection.

Key Responsibilities

A. Organisational Leadership

• Lead annual planning, implementation and reporting processes

• Champion organisational culture, values and mission

• Provide insights, reports and recommendations to the Board

• Strengthen systems, policies and processes that support healthy growth

B. Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of You Belong in Toowoomba

• Maintain compliance with ACNC, ASIC, WHS and safeguarding requirements

• Ensure policies and risk frameworks are current and effective

• Build operational systems that support scale and long-term sustainability

C. Financial Stewardship

• Work with the Bookkeeper/Accountant on budgeting, payroll and financial reporting

• Ensure financial accountability for all programs and grants

• Maintain accurate records for audits and regulatory requirements

• Support development of sustainable revenue streams

D. Fundraising & Business

• Lead implementation of You Belong’s fundraising and donor engagement

• Strategy development

• Build strong relationships with donors, philanthropic bodies and supporters

• Oversee grants pipeline, applications, reporting and acquittals

• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and sponsorships

E. Program Oversight & Impact

• Oversee design, delivery and evaluation of all programs

• Support staff with coaching, development and clear work plans

• Strengthen partnerships with schools, community groups, councils and agencies

• Ensure monitoring and evaluation systems reflect outcomes and learning

F. People & Culture

• Lead and support the Toowoomba staff team with cultural intelligence and care

• Oversee recruitment, induction and professional development

• Provide capacity building leadership for team members with lived experience

• Support volunteer mobilisation and leadership pathways for community members

G. Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Represent You Belong with integrity and cross-cultural sensitivity

• Build strong relationships across community, government, business and partner organisations

• Advocate for Waymakers and promote welcoming communities

• Engage stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving and community-building

The Person

Essential

• Strong leadership experience in the nonprofit, community or social impact

• Ability to manage people, operations and organisational systems

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or business development sectors

• Strong financial literacy and confidence with budgets and reporting

• High cultural intelligence and the ability to build trust with diverse communities

• Excellent communication and relational skills

• Based in Toowoomba or willing to relocate

Highly Valued

• Cross-cultural lived experience

• Understanding of Toowoomba’s rich multicultural landscape

• Experience in community development or program delivery

• Familiarity with trauma-informed and strengths-based practice

• Experience working with volunteers

Team Structure

The Managing Director leads and collaborates with:

• Programs Coordinators & volunteers across multiple programs

• Community Engagement Director for program and community impact

• Contractors including grant writer, designer and media partners

• Executive Chair & Board Members for strategy and partnerships

Employment Conditions

• Permanent position at 0.8 FTE

• Hybrid arrangement with Toowoomba as the operational base

• Salary packaging benefits through ACNC charity status

• Annual learning and development plan

How to Apply

Please submit your applications to accounts@youbelong.org.au, including the following:

1. Your CV

2. A short cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience

Application Process & Timeline

Applications close 23 January, 2026. Please note that, due to the Christmas and New Year break, we will not be reviewing or responding to applications until from 5 January, 2026.

We encourage early applications, as You Belong reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date if the right person is identified.