About the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation
More than just a football club, the Western Bulldogs has a long-standing history as the community club of the AFL. The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is the club’s community arm that utilises the trusted brand of our football club to deliver life changing programs. At its’ core the Foundation delivers demonstrated impact in the areas of health and wellbeing, youth leadership, cultural diversity, social inclusion and community advocacy.
Across Melbourne and Victoria’s west, we reach over 20,000 community members each year including direct capacity building for over 4,000 participants in our targeted programs. This critical work is underpinned by a whole of Club commitment that is strongly supported by all three levels of government and a range of corporate and community partners. Our programs are independently and academically evaluated to ensure we meet the ever-changing needs of our community, and we are always evolving our content and delivery methods to be best practice.
We strive every day to create an impact that inspires. More information about the Foundation can be found at https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation
We endeavour to create an inclusive environment where all are accepted and celebrated regardless of age, ability gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, we encourage you to apply.
Your contribution to the team includes
As the Healthy Communities Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing all Community Health and Wellbeing Programs, including overseeing the delivery of Team Up, sons of the West, and Daughters of the West Programs.
Strategic Planning
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Programs and Impact and Leadership team (including the Board) to establish, deliver and monitor the strategic direction of the Health & Wellbeing programs as per the Community Foundation‘s Strategic Plan.
- Ensure the work of the Health & Wellbeing stream remains aligned with the overarching strategic direction, spirit and vision of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and the Club
- Develop and manage operational plans, KPI’s and Strategic Plan and Growth Agenda for Community Health & Wellbeing programs in consultation with the Head of Programs and Impact.
- Identify health priorities and plan effective approaches to address local needs collaborating with the Head of Programs and Impact to ensure strategic alignment.
- Develop key sustainability plans and contribute to sourcing funding to ensure longevity of all health and wellbeing services in consultation with the Head of Programs and Impact.
- Inform other WBCF streams on current health policies and evidence-based practice to ensure consistency across WBCF
Program Management
- Collaborate with the Head of Programs and Impact, internal staff, and program stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes and effective program delivery. Manage the planning, development, budget and implementation of the Sons of the West and Daughters of the West programs and Team Up program, ensuring programs are effective and relevant to the target communities
- Work with the Business Development Manager as well as Collaborate with the Head of Programs and Impact to grow the fee for service offerings of the Sons and Daughters of the West model.
- Collaborate with the Head of Programs and Impact to optimise health service referral pathways into and out of programs. Ensure continual improvement of programs through co design, planning, monitoring and evaluation processes
- Ensure programs utilise evidence-based approaches and that we share our own research, case studies and participants stories
- Ensure program related risks are documented, risk mitigations strategies are in place and all incidents are reported in a timely and appropriate manner
- Work with WBCF to ensure all program and participant data is inputted into a CRM and managed in accordance with the relevant privacy policies
People Leadership
- Work in conjunction with the Head of Programs and Impact to support the People Team, Western Bulldogs Exec team, and WBCF General Manager & Government Relations on strategies impacting organizational capability and performance. Provide leadership that fosters a collaborative environment that encourages new ideas delivers on program objectives and to meet departmental objectives and KPIs
- Create trust by displaying consistency, understanding, integrity and patience.
- Plan, seek, allocate and monitor staff resources to achieve outcomes for H&W programs and activities.
- Manage Health & Wellbeing team members including providing one on one supervision, bi-annual performance reviews and ongoing support for professional development with guidance from the Head of Programs and Impact.
Other Duties
- Partner Relationships
- Stakeholder Management
- Administration & Finance
- Community Advocacy
Skills and experience
- Undergraduate degree in health science, public health, applied science or social science (desired)
- Knowledge and experience in program management, health promotion principles, public health or community development is essential
- Cross cultural agility - ability to successfully work with people of different cultures and backgrounds.
- Experience in the development of high-level strategic plans, partnerships and people leadership
- Knowledge of current public health policies and frameworks
- Knowledge of health service referral pathways
- Highly developed communication and leadership skills
- Demonstrated experience in program/project development, implementation, and evaluation and reporting.
- Outstanding stakeholder relationship management and ability to drive partnerships with
third parties to reach mutually beneficial alignment including funding outcomes
- Demonstrated high level written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to use initiative, meet tight time frames, and to work with limited supervision.
What’s on offer
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Flexible working arrangements – up to 2 days working remotely opportunity
- Generous salary packaging arrangement is available
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Additional Work Life Leave - provided to those who are required to work weekends
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Birthday Leave - a day of leave available in the week of your birthday
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Close to West Footscray Station with free onsite parking available
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Club membership - Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
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Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
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Deals & Discounts with Club corporate sponsors - over 40% in some cases
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Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer’s Leave available
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Wellbeing focus including - we support our staff to complete a proactive wellbeing plan, access to club gym, wellbeing sessions and activities across the year
How to Apply
Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and a satisfactory national criminal history check.
If you are interested in working in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position, please click on Apply & attach your resume and a cover letter outlining your key attributes. Applications close at 5pm Sunday 26th April 2026. With strong interest expected, we’ll be reviewing applications as they come in and looking to appoint promptly.
Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
