At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative programs to support people with low vision or blindness and drive impactful change.
- Company: Join Guide Dogs, a mission-driven organisation focused on accessibility and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, wellness days, parental leave, and professional development support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a collaborative and flexible environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in program delivery and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are committed to providing services for people with low vision or blindness by tailoring solutions to help overcome barriers and build independent and fulfilling lives. We are united in our shared mission of creating opportunities, championing the rights of people with low vision or blindness, and building communities who share our mindset and ambition for accessibility and inclusivity. With a strong culture of innovation, learning, flexibility and belonging, we live our values and allow our team members to be the best version of themselves inside and outside work.
We’re looking for an experienced and collaborative Program Lead to drive delivery of our Future Services program which is a significant initiative redesigning how we support people with low vision or blindness. This is a Full Time 12 month contract role. This is a high-impact role where you’ll lead a complex program of pilots and improvement projects, working across teams to shape how services evolve both digitally and face-to-face.
As Program Lead, you’ll own day-to-day program delivery bringing together people, workstreams and priorities to ensure outcomes are achieved. You’ll play a key role in engaging teams through change, ensuring staff are actively involved in designing pilots and shaping new ways of working. You’ll also:
- Lead delivery of multiple pilots and continuous improvement projects
- Coordinate workstream leads and cross-functional contributors
- Maintain momentum across a fast-moving, complex program
- Develop clear pilot frameworks, reporting and evaluation approaches
- Support evidence based decision making at key milestones
- Capture insights and embed learnings into future delivery
- Manage stakeholder relationships across clinical, operational and support teams
- Identify and manage risks, ensuring strong governance and reporting
- Design and deliver clear progress reports and evaluation frameworks across pilots and projects
- Apply a test, learn, adapt approach — using evidence to refine delivery as the program evolves
You’re an experienced Program Leader who thrives in complexity and brings people with you through change. You’ll bring:
- Strong experience in program delivery, service transformation or similar
- Proven ability to lead multi-workstream programs in a change environment
- Experience working with clinical or highly specialised workforces
- Experience delivering both digital and face-to-face services
- Strong stakeholder management skills. Able to influence without direct authority
- Excellent communication, critical thinking and problem solving capability
- A collaborative, practical and outcome focused approach
- Confidence working with emerging technologies and digital tools
- Experience in the NFP, disability, or health sectors desirable
- Comfortable exploring and adopting new digital tools and emerging technology
As a member of the Guide Dogs team, you will have access to a wide range of benefits tailored to your needs. A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $15,900. EAP - Get support when you need it with Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions. Me Days – Receive two paid days per year to support your health and wellbeing. Paid Parental Leave – take time to bond with your new child with 15 weeks paid leave after qualification period. The option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave each year. Employee benefits program and Reward and Recognition program. Support for your professional development including paid study leave and educational assistance. Join an organisation that makes a meaningful and positive impact on our society.
Guide Dogs Values:
- Our clients come first in everything we do
- Walk the Talk - The buck stops with us. So we keep our word and keep going, no matter what.
- Lead with Head and Heart - Forever focused on our purpose and mission, we combine care and careful planning to deliver successes worth celebrating.
- Lift each other - From a guiding hand to a high five, we unleash and acknowledge everyone's potential.
- Never stop exploring - We're fearlessly creative. We've always asked and answered the tough questions and if there's a better way, we'll find it.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.
If you require an adjustment within the recruitment process, please contact to inform us of your preferred method of communication.
Program Lead employer: Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
At Guide Dogs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and personal growth. As a Program Lead, you will not only drive impactful change for individuals with low vision or blindness but also benefit from a supportive work environment that prioritises your wellbeing through generous leave policies, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying a workplace that values collaboration and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Lead
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Program Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Program Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!