Project Manager – Innovation

• Manage  innovation projects that turn complex challenges into practical solutions
• Test emerging ideas and turn evidence and learning into real-world action
• Join a purpose-driven NFP improving outcomes for people with disability

ABOUT US

At the Summer Foundation, we work to create lasting systems change so people with disability with high support needs have greater choice about where they live, who they live with and how they are supported.

More than 40,000 Australians with disability with high support needs still have limited housing and support options. We believe better is possible.

Our impact is powered by research, policy and innovation. We work alongside people with disability, providers and other partners to grow bold ideas, test and demonstrate what works, and build the evidence for change. We use this evidence to influence government policy and reform, helping create better housing and support systems at scale.

Since 2006, we’ve helped 7,500 young people with disability avoid aged care and helped scale new approaches to housing, demonstrating what’s possible when evidence, innovation and collaboration drive systems change.

ABOUT YOU

You’re a project manager who thrives in innovation environments, where the challenge is complex, the answer isn’t always obvious and the path forward needs to be shaped as you go.

You’re curious and analytical, able to make sense of incomplete information and bring structure to ambiguity. You enjoy working with others to explore problems, test assumptions and turn emerging ideas into practical solutions.

You balance experimentation with strong delivery, using evidence and real-world learning to refine solutions and determine what should happen next.

Your skills and experience:

• Experience managing innovation or complex projects from scoping and testing through to implementation and review
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and translate learning into practical action
• Experience bringing together stakeholders, evidence and financial or commercial considerations to shape viable solutions

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Project Manager – Innovation, you’ll turn complex housing and living challenges into practical, evidence-informed projects that improve outcomes for people with disability and deliver value for money.

Working within our Innovation Team, you’ll manage projects from scoping through testing, implementation and review. You’ll work with others to understand problems, explore and test potential solutions, and use evidence and learning to inform recommendations and next steps.

You’ll also work closely with people with disability, providers, partners, subject matter experts and internal teams, bringing together different perspectives to inform how solutions are shaped and tested.

Key focus areas include:

• Manage innovation projects: Manage projects from scoping through to implementation and review, keeping plans, budgets, timelines, risks and priorities on track.
• Test, learn and refine solutions: Shape and test emerging ideas, using evidence, analysis and financial or commercial thinking to understand what works and inform next steps.
• Bring people together to create better solutions: Build trusted relationships and involve people with disability, providers, partners and internal teams throughout discovery, testing and decision-making.

This is a full-time opportunity within Summer Foundation’s Innovation Team. 

Our office is based in Box Hill, VIC, however, this role offers flexible working arrangements. 

Summer Foundation encourages people with lived experience of disability to apply.

We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within Summer Foundation. That’s why we hire diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process or documents please reach out to recruitment@summerfoundation.org.au or 1300 935 717.

Explore more, access the PD and apply here or via the Summer Foundation website.

We’ll be reviewing applications and interviewing as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.