Program Manager –  Grants & Communications

The Big Sister Foundation is looking for a proactive Program Manager to lead our grant programs and external communications. Since 2004, we’ve invested $6.8M into community organisations supporting women and families across the St George & Sutherland Shire.

This is a newly created role, currently performed by the Board Chair and partially un‑resourced. We’re seeking someone flexible, collaborative and confident who can help shape the role with us. The estimated hours (8–15 per week) will be reviewed and refined with the successful applicant after the first 3–4 months.

In this role, you’ll manage the grant lifecycle, build strong relationships with recipient partners, and lead communications across social media, website updates and partner content. You’ll also represent BSF at local events and contribute insights that support Board decision‑making.

Overview

The Big Sister Foundation supports positive social change for women and families in the St George and Sutherland Shire (SGSS). Through thoughtful philanthropy, strong community relationships and effective grant making, we fund an ecosystem of partners and programs that respond to local community needs.

About the Role

The Program Manager oversees the Foundation’s grant programs and builds relationships with grant recipients and community partners. The role also leads external communications, including social media, website updates and partner‑related content.

This newly created role suits a proactive, organised professional who thrives in a purpose‑driven environment and enjoys working closely with a small team and committed Board. You’ll be a confident, self‑directed operator who can manage relationships and communications independently while collaborating regularly with the Board.

Key Responsibilities

1. Grant Programs Management & Administration

• Manage the full grant lifecycle, including strategy and co‑design with the Board, applications, assessment, approvals, agreements, timelines, evaluation and reporting.
• Maintain and develop grant evaluation guidelines; support grant recipients to report their outcomes.
• Consolidate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data on grant outcomes.
• Prepare due diligence reports, coordinate assessment panels and develop recommendations for the Board.

2. Communications & Stakeholder Relationships

• Manage external communications across social media, website content and events.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with applicants, partners, community stakeholders and the Board.
• Facilitate strong connections between partners and Directors.
• Represent BSF at meetings, events and community activities when Directors are unavailable.
• Work closely with the Board Chair to provide insights that support strategic planning and budget development.

3. Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure all grant‑making activities comply with policies, procedures, delegations and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and escalate conflicts of interest, risks, issues and compliance concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive grant information appropriately.
• Maintain accurate records for audit, reporting and governance purposes.

About You – Skills & Experience

• Experience managing grant programs in philanthropic, community or not‑for‑profit organisations; and/or
• Corporate experience managing programs, particularly in communications, marketing, ESG or partnerships.
• Knowledge of SGSS community organisations (highly valued).
• Proactive, self‑directed and comfortable working in a very small, purpose‑driven organisation.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent organisation, analytical and writing capabilities with high attention to detail.
• Competent with MS Office and social media platforms.
• Experience with social impact measurement and reporting.

We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applicants with diverse skills, backgrounds, and lived experiences.

Ready to Apply?

We’d love to hear from you.

📩 Submit Your Expression of Interest

Email your CV, expression of interest or further questions to:

admin@bigsisterfoundation.org.au