Community Development Officer - Sydney & North Sydney

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 our next Community & Development Officer to help strengthen, grow, and champion our impact across NSW.  This will initially be a 6-month fixed-term contract opportunity with a strong likelihood for extension or longer-term placement. 

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

• Grow programs and services by establishing new playgroups, strengthening existing ones, and ensuring they are safe, inclusive, and sustainable.  


• Empower volunteers with training, guidance, resources, and ongoing support to deliver high‑quality playgroup experiences.  


• Build community partnerships with councils, health services, venue providers, and local organisations to extend reach and impact.  


• Contribute strategically by identifying local needs, growth opportunities, and supporting engagement and planning initiatives.  


• Maintain strong compliance and administration through accurate data entry, CRM updates, legislative adherence, and child‑safe practices.  

 
We welcome applicants who prefer to work during school terms only, or all year round. Please indicate your preference in your application.  

ABOUT YOU

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

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in community development or community engagement  


• Strong organisational and time‑management skills  


• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate, resolve issues, and build partnerships  


• Experience engaging with diverse communities and vulnerable cohorts  


• Strong external stakeholder engagement capability  


• Solid administrative and systems skills, especially Microsoft 365, Teams, and CRM platforms  


• Understanding of community development principles and inclusive practice  


• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage competing priorities  


• Working With Children Check, Driver’s Licence, and access to a vehicle  


• Willingness to travel regularly across your region.  

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

Bonus points for:  
Experience with Salesforce, Pardot, Monday.com, website updates, and/or the not‑for‑profit sector.  

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  


• Salary packaging: Up to $15,900 tax‑free  
  

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.