Community Development Coordinator

Join YWCA Canberra – Make a Difference!

Community Development Coordinator

Full time – 38 hours per week

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Community Development Coordinator to lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of community development activities that foster connection, participation, wellbeing and inclusion for Common Ground residents.

Working within a Housing First, strengths-based and trauma-informed framework, you’ll collaborate with residents, partner organisations and the Common Ground team to create meaningful opportunities that help people thrive.

About YWCA Canberra:

YWCA Canberra is a respected feminist, not-for-profit community organisation which has been providing community services and representing women’s issues in the Canberra community since its establishment in 1929. Today, we provide leading and innovative services to women and the broader Canberra community in the areas of children’s services, community services, housing, youth services, personal and professional training, and women’s leadership.

As a values-based organisation, and the only Canberra based Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA), YWCA Canberra is a great place to work. We have a strong track record in building long-term, sustainable careers with excellent conditions (including charitable salary sacrificing and above award salaries) together with a supportive work environment for all employees to thrive.

About the Role

Reporting to the Team Leader, you will:

• Design, coordinate and evaluate community activities, events and programs
• Build strong relationships with residents and encourage participation
• Develop partnerships with government, community and sector organisations
• Identify service gaps and create innovative engagement initiatives
• Support residents through advocacy, referrals and practical assistance
• Maintain accurate reporting, evaluations and community development plans
• Work collaboratively with CHC and other key stakeholders
• Manage a small case load where required

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of community development activities, events and programs for Common Ground residents.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive and connected community that promotes resident wellbeing, participation and social inclusion.
• Build strong relationships with residents and provide strengths-based, trauma-informed support.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organisations, government agencies and key stakeholders to enhance opportunities and services for residents.
• Identify service gaps and implement innovative programs and activities that respond to resident needs.
• Provide advocacy, referrals and practical support to residents, including management of a small case load where required.
• Collaborate closely with the Common Ground Case Manager, CHC and the wider Housing Support Unit to deliver integrated support.
• Develop community development plans, manage budgets and contribute to reporting and evaluation requirements.
• Maintain accurate case notes, records and data collection in line with organisational and funding requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, quality standards and a positive team culture.

About You

• Diploma in Community Development, Community Services or equivalent (required)
• Degree qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services or similar (highly desirable)
• Experience working with people with complex psychosocial needs (required)
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred practice
• Experience in community development, stakeholder engagement and partnership building
• Excellent communication, organisation and relationship management skills
• A proactive and self-motivated approach to work

You will be successful in this role if you can build trust with residents, create meaningful opportunities for community connection, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve positive housing, wellbeing and social inclusion outcomes.

WWVP Requirements
All YWCA Canberra employees are required to hold and maintain a valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration for the duration of their employment. We operate under a strict ‘No card, no start’ policy, meaning this clearance must be obtained prior to commencing in any role.

What’s in it for you?

Working at YWCA Canberra offers more than just a pay cheque. Here, you’ll find a job with real purpose, where your efforts directly contribute to improving lives in our community. Whether you’re involved in early childhood education, housing support, or any of our other programmes, you’ll see the tangible results of your work.

YWCA Canberra offers:

• Competitive base salary
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance including a 9-day fortnight, 4 day compressed work week and varied working hours to accommodate work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and further study through our in-house registered training organisation.
• Salary packaging options that can improve your take-home pay by $5K annually
• Generous parental leave entitlements, 3 days extra paid annual leave between Christmas and New Year, annual flu vaccinations.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program for guidance and counselling

Join Canberra’s ONLY Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA).

 How to Apply

1. Visit https://ywca-canberra.org.au/about-us/careers/ to access the position description and job demands checklist. 

Want more information?

For a confidential discussion or further information please contact Jessica McMeniman via email at ***************@ywca-canberra.org.au

Applications close on 23 August 2026

Make a difference with us.

At YWCA Canberra, we’ve been championing change since 1929, empowering women and promoting gender equality for nearly a century. Our legacy isn’t built on words alone – it’s rooted in real action. Every day, we transform lives through our community services, affordable housing programs, early childhood education, and leadership initiatives. Whether it’s providing a safe home through YHomes, supporting survivors of domestic violence, or nurturing the next generation of leaders, we walk the talk. Our impact is tangible, and our commitment to building an inclusive, equitable future remains stronger than ever.

YWCA Canberra reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.

YWCA Canberra is committed to the safety of children and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to participate fully in all child protection risk management recruitment processes and ongoing character checking and assessment processes.

YWCA Canberra is an equal opportunity employer. People from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences are encouraged to apply. We specifically encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.