Job Description

About RSPCA Queensland

For nearly 140 years, RSPCA Queensland has been a leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of animals - whether domestic, farmed, or native. We care for over 42,000 animals annually, relying on the generosity of animal lovers like you to fund 91% of our life-changing services.

Our Purpose: We exist for animals to live better lives.

About the Role

This is a unique and impactful leadership opportunity to shape how RSPCA Queensland supports animals before they enter our care.

As the Head of Community & Prevention, you will lead the development, evolution and delivery of a diverse portfolio of proactive, community-focused programs designed to address the root causes of animal welfare issues across Queensland. From initiatives like Pets in Crisis, community clinics and desexing programs, through to youth education and disaster preparedness, your work will directly contribute to keeping animals with the people who love them.

This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with operational teams across animal care, veterinary services, behaviour, and support services to embed and deliver programs that create meaningful, measurable impact. You’ll also play a key role in driving a broader One Welfare approach, recognising the deep connection between animal and human wellbeing.

If you’re passionate about prevention, community impact and leading large-scale initiatives that truly change lives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference.

What We’re Looking For

You are a strategic and values-driven leader who brings both big-picture thinking and strong execution capability. You’re comfortable working in complexity, balancing competing priorities and navigating a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

You bring extensive experience in program or project leadership, ideally within community services, education or a related field. You have a strong understanding of how to design and deliver initiatives that are sustainable, scalable and outcome-focused. You’re naturally collaborative and know how to bring people together, influence across teams and build strong internal and external partnerships.

Importantly, you lead with empathy and emotional intelligence. You understand the realities of working in roles connected to crisis and trauma and you’re able to support teams with care while maintaining focus on outcomes. Your communication style is clear, thoughtful and adaptable and you’re confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of RSPCA Queensland’s Community & Prevention program suite.
• Identify emerging needs, trends and opportunities to proactively address animal welfare challenges.
• Design, implement and continuously improve programs that are sustainable, scalable and aligned to strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively across operational and support teams to embed and deliver initiatives effectively.
• Drive program performance through data, reporting and evaluation, ensuring measurable outcomes and impact.
• Develop and implement pilot programs, using insights to inform future expansion.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Lead, coach and support a collaborative team, fostering a positive, high-performing culture.
• Act as a key change leader, influencing culture, collaboration and ways of working across the organisation.
• Oversee program delivery to ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Proven experience in program or project management, ideally within community, education or social impact settings.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering programs with measurable outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across diverse groups.
• Strong problem-solving capability, with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Experience supporting teams in emotionally complex environments, including an understanding of vicarious trauma.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly developed organisational, analytical and reporting skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, maintaining a whole-of-organisation perspective.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare and alignment with RSPCA Queensland’s purpose and values.

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Support: Enjoy 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, study leave, and even leave for your furry companions. We also provide access to counselling and mental health services.
• Employee Perks: From free on-site parking to exclusive discounts, novated leases, and 50% off Royal Canin pet food, we’ve got you covered! You can also adopt a new furry friend with free adoption options.
• Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.
• Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.

At RSPCA Qld, we encourage you to grow your skills, expand your responsibilities, and explore different career pathways. By enhancing your qualifications and capabilities, you can take advantage of internal opportunities across our many departments - from animal care to operations, outreach, and more.

Interested?

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, apply today!

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a Police Check for the safety and well-being of the community, staff, and animals. A pre-employment medical assessment may also be required.

RSPCA Queensland acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.