Learning and Development Lead Programs

National Disability Services (NDS) is Australias peak body for disability service organisations and has been supporting and representing the disability sector for more than 80 years. Our valued members collectively operate several thousand services for more than 300000 Australians with disability and employ a workforce of more than 100000 people across metropolitan regional rural and remote communities. NDS has a strong and influential presence in every state and territory across Australia.

At NDS our work is purposeful collaborative and grounded in impact. We play a key role in shaping a stronger more sustainable sector that improves outcomes for people with disability. We influence national reform advocate for high quality providers and help our members navigate complexity in a changing environment. Every role at NDS contributes to this impact whether you work in policy & advocacy member services marketing & communications operations projects or corporate services.

At NDS our values underpin everything we do. NDS employees have a passion to make a difference are member focused value diversity and lived experience share knowledge and expertise and prioritise progress over perfection. NDS supports our people to achieve their goals with a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements employee wellbeing progams and opportunities for growth and learning.

To find out more about NDS please visit our website at

Location: Sydney or Melbourne
Working Arrangement: Hybrid (minimum 1 day in the office per week)
Hours: Full-time 5 days per week or Part-time 4 days per week.
Status: Permanent
Industrial Instrument: Non Award

The Learning and Development Lead - Programs leads the planning delivery and continuous improvement of NDS learning and development programs including public and inhouse face-to-face and online workshops. The role ensures all programs remain relevant coordinated and effectively promoted while overseeing the operation and development of the Lived Experience Network.

The Learning and Development Lead - Programs manages competing priorities maintains the quality accuracy and relevance of learning content coordinates internal and external contributors and uses data and feedback to guide continuous improvement. As an L&D disability subject matter expert the Learning and Development Lead Programs works collaboratively across NDS builds strong stakeholder relationships and supports team capability and continuity.

Program and operational leadership

• Lead the planning budget management resourcing marketing delivery and continuous improvement of NDS Learning and Development programs to achieve agreed strategic financial and quality objectives.
• Ensure that all legal and contractual requirements between NDS other contractors and clients are fulfilled

Strategy and commercial development

• Partner with the Head of Learning and Development and key stakeholders to monitor disability sector needs market trends and contemporary learning practice and translate emerging insights into priorities for the Learning and Development portfolio.
• Identify assess and contribute to new commercial offerings partnerships and funding opportunities that support the growth reach and sustainability of the Learning and Development portfolio.

Stakeholder engagement and promotion

• Build and manage strategic relationships with clients members partners and other stakeholders to strengthen program participation and inform continuous improvement.
• Lead the promotion of NDS Learning and Development programs in collaboration with the Communications team using appropriate channels stakeholder presentations and targeted campaigns to increase awareness engagement and participation.
• Ensure all Learning and Development communications and promotional materials are accurate accessible audience appropriate and consistent with NDSs brand values and key messages.

People and team leadership

• Lead support and develop Learning and Development casual staff and the Lived Experience Network including workforce planning recruitment onboarding performance capability development and effective allocation of work.

Other Responsibilities (applicable for all NDS employees):

• Bring a member first approach and mindset to my work.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required by manager/supervisor from time to time
• Comply with NDSs policies and procedures at all times including (but not limited to) HR Quality Work Health & Safety (WHS) IT Security and Data Privacy
• Respond to reasonable contact from NDS outside standard work hours if required as part of role responsibilities.
• Develop accessible versions of documents for internal and external distribution.
• Demonstrate the NDS values of Build respectful relationships Lead change Deliver clarity & impact Support and develop others and Embrace diversity.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex learning and development programs.
• Knowledge of the disability sector and current challenges and opportunities.
• Experience leading teams would be well regarded.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles contemporary learning practice accessibility and emerging learning technologies with the ability to translate evidence into practical solutions. Demonstrated commercial acumen including experience identifying opportunities developing business cases and negotiating partnerships or contracts with external parties.
• Highly developed communication consultation and presentation skills with the ability to produce clear written advice and build and sustain trusted relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong judgement attention to detail and commitment to quality accuracy and accessible practice.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver engaging inclusive learning across face-to-face virtual and digital formats.
• Proven capability to manage multiple complex projects priorities budgets risks and resources to achieve agreed outcomes and performance measures.
• Experience developing accessible communications that increase awareness engagement and participation.
• Desirable - experience in training / teaching in either an RTO or the broader Community Services Sector
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 learning management systems and relevant digital learning and reporting tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel independently as required.

What We Offer

• Impact and purpose -Opportunity to do work that matters.
• Financial -Salary packaging employee discounts annual salary indexation
• Work life balance -Hybrid work flexible arrangements part time and job share options
• Leave -Paid parental leave additional Christmas closedown leave study leave option to purchase leave
• Professional Development -Learning allowance access to NDS events and learning online LMS and courses
• Health and wellbeing -EAP online wellbeing platform flu vaccination reimbursement Mental Health First Aid Officers
• Culture -Staff events employee working groups diversity and inclusion initiatives including RAP and DIAP
• Recognition-Service awards peer recognition program annual CEO awards

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage all applicants including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people with disability LGBTIQA and culturally diverse communities to join NDS.

NDS is committed to supporting equal employment opportunities for individuals with disability and will provide reasonable workplace adjustments. We encourage potential applicants with lived experience to contact NDS to discuss any questions regarding individual workplace adjustments. NDS also provides adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application recruitment selection and/or assessment process please advise via orand indicate your preferred method of communication (email or phone).

Applications close: 4th October 2026. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your Skills & Experience in the areas listed above byclicking on the Apply button. For further information please contact Please do not send your application to this email address as its for enquiries only.

The successful applicant must be prepared to undertake a pre-employment police check.

No agencies please.