Community Development Officer

Do you believe every family deserves a village? Are you energised by community connection, early childhood development, and empowering volunteers? If you love people, thrive on variety, and want your work to make a genuine difference — you’ll feel right at home with Playgroup NSW.  
 
We’ve been connecting families for over 50 years, helping parents build supportive networks and giving children joyful early learning experiences. Now, we’re looking for a Community Development Officer to help strengthen, grow, and champion our impact across NSW.  This will initially be a 12-month fixed-term contract, part time 30 hours a week.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will help build stronger, more connected communities by establishing and supporting inclusive, community led playgroups. You’ll be the connector — building relationships, empowering volunteers, and ensuring every family feels welcome, supported, and able to thrive. Your work will help children learn through play, strengthen families, and nurture resilient, engaged communities. 

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Growth
Be the local face of Playgroup NSW—build strong relationships, grow awareness, expand reach, and support new playgroups, especially in vulnerable communities.

Playgroup Support
Empower volunteers with advice, training and resources to start and sustain successful playgroups.

Program Delivery
Deliver engaging, inclusive programs and events that support child development and continuous improvement.

Partnerships & Strategy
Build local partnerships, identify growth opportunities and support initiatives to increase participation.

Compliance & Safety
Reporting, WHS and child protection requirements.

ABOUT YOU

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• A relevant degree/diploma in Community Services, Social Sciences, Public Health, Early Childhood or similar, with 2+ years’ community engagement or development experience.


• Strong organisation, time management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent interpersonal skills with proven success building partnerships and engaging diverse communities.


• Demonstrated experience working with external stakeholders, building networks, and supporting culturally diverse and vulnerable groups.


• Proficient in Microsoft 365, Teams and CRM systems, with strong administrative and data management capability.


• Working With Children Check, driver’s licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable

• Salesforce (or similar CRM), First Aid, and experience in playgroups or volunteering.

For you to be successful in the role, it is important that you have all the above requirements. SCHADS Award level 4.

WHY JOIN PLAYGROUP NSW?

As a part of our team, you get to enjoy:

•    Flexible working: Hybrid and flexible arrangements  
•    Great benefits: Extra leave, including Play Days and Birthday Leave  
•    Purpose driven work: Make a meaningful impact every day  
•    Job security: Permanent part time position  
•    Growth and development: Professional development and career planning  
•    Wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Program  

READY TO JOIN US?  
If you’re passionate about community, connection, and early childhood learning, we’d love to hear from you. Applications are reviewed as they come in — don’t wait! Your next meaningful career move could start right here