National Project Manager - Community Awareness and Engagement

about headspace

headspace is Australia's leading youth mental health organisation established to improve the wellbeing of young people aged 12 to 25. Through our national programs, partnerships, and support for the headspace network, we help young people and their families navigate mental health, work, and study challenges with confidence. We strive to create environments where every young person feels empowered, supported, and able to thrive. Learn more at headspace.org.au.

The Centre Services team supports our organisation's goal by strengthening and supporting the headspace centre network to deliver high-quality, accessible and responsive services for young people and their communities.

why you'll love working with us

This is an opportunity to lead an impactful piece of work that will influence how Community Awareness and Engagement is delivered across the headspace network.

You will also be eligible to access headspace benefits including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging, up to the maximum $15,900 per FBT year
• 15 days personal leave
• 20 days annual leave plus additional leave over the Christmas period
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Remote/hybrid work
• Flexible working arrangements
• Access to EAP
• Access to professional development

what you'll do

As the National Project Manager, Community Awareness and Engagement (CAE), you will lead the development, implementation and launch of the national CAE Capability Framework. This work has been initiated in direct response to the findings of the Strengthening Community Awareness and Engagement Review (2026), and is designed to strengthen consistency, quality and confidence in CAE practice across the headspace centre network.

The project is time-limited and will be delivered across defined phases, including development, implementation and review, with consultation and engagement across the headspace network and internal headspace National teams.

Working in this role, you will:

• Lead the delivery of the CAE Capability Framework project in line with agreed timelines, milestones, governance requirements and project deliverables.
• Develop high-quality written content, including framework materials, implementation resources, training and education content, consultation materials, briefing papers, updates and launch communications.
• Work closely with the Stakeholder Engagement Manager, CAE Specialists, and project stakeholders to develop the CAE Capability Framework, CAE Competency Framework, evaluation plan and associated implementation resources.
• Lead the change management process and provide direct support to headspace Plus services and headspace parent centres of Outreach Programs to implement the CAE Capability Framework.
• Support consultation and engagement activities with CAE workers, Centre Managers, advisory groups, internal subject matter experts and relevant headspace National teams to ensure project outputs are practical, accessible and aligned with centre network needs.
• Translate evidence, consultation findings and subject matter expertise into clear, practical resources that support recruitment, development, education and quality CAE practice across the centre network.

what you'll bring

As someone with recent experience of centre management or a leadership role within the headspace centre network, you will have demonstrated experience leading projects or initiatives with multiple stakeholders, timelines and deliverables.

To be successful in this role, you will also bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in project management, health promotion, public health, social sciences or a related discipline, and/or equivalent demonstrated experience.

• Highly developed written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop clear, practical and audience-appropriate content, resources and/or implementation materials.

• Demonstrated experience supporting stakeholder engagement, consultation or co-design processes, including the ability to gather input, synthesise feedback and translate insights into practical outputs.

how to apply

• Click on 'Apply now' to view the position description, and to complete your application.
• Please include a current resume and a brief cover letter addressing the key criteria that will make you successful in this role.
• For more information contact Ella Hewitt, National Manager, State and Territory Service Integration, ehewitt@headspace.org.au using the subject line: National Project Manager - Community Awareness and Engagement enquiry via EthicalJobs.
• We review all applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.

Applicants must have full working rights in Australia to be considered for this role.

headspace is an inclusive, safe and committed employer

headspace is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, celebrated, and can contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from people with lived experience of diversity to enhance the depth of skill and insight within our workforce. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role and all current vacancies.

headspace is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation that recognises, respects, and promotes the rights of children, young and vulnerable people. For this reason, we will conduct a National Criminal Background Check and Working with Children Check as part of our recruitment process for all new employees.

headspace will provide reasonable personalisation for all candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process. Please advise us should you require assistance.