Program Director - Education

About Civica

Civica builds software that supports essential public services for communities worldwide. Its platforms are used by more than 5,000 public sector organisations across local and state government, education, health, and care, helping serve over 100 million citizens.

The organisation is working toward its goal of becoming a leading GovTech partner wherever it operates. With more than 21 years of sustained growth, it is now at an important stage in that journey.

If you are motivated by using technology to improve public services and deliver better outcomes for citizens and public-sector organisations, Civica offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while growing your career.

Role overview

As Program Director, you will be responsible for delivering complex software programs made up of multiple related projects. You will coordinate client-facing workstreams, guide Project Managers, and keep scope, timelines, resources, and outcomes aligned.

This position gives you ownership of high-value programs that support public sector clients and the people they serve. You will lead major initiatives from start to finish, with influence at both customer and internal business levels.

You will work in a collaborative global environment where leadership, commercial judgment, and delivery excellence are highly valued. The role also offers regular exposure to senior stakeholders, meaningful decision-making responsibility, and the chance to improve program delivery standards and controls.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex, multi-project software programs for enterprise clients.
• Oversee interdependent customer-facing projects and ensure they stay aligned to scope, schedule, resources, and outcomes.
• Manage and support Project Managers, helping them deliver strong results.
• Build and maintain program governance, controls, reporting, and delivery processes.
• Engage effectively with stakeholders, including executives and senior client representatives.
• Manage budgets, costs, and resource allocation across programs.
• Track and control risks, issues, dependencies, and competing priorities across the portfolio.
• Identify commercial opportunities and support contract-related activity with sound business judgment.
• Lead teams through change, ambiguity, and transformation with confidence.
• Use strong analytical thinking, planning, and problem-solving to keep delivery on track.
• Prepare reports and use Microsoft productivity tools to support program execution.

Requirements

• Proven background delivering enterprise, client-facing programs within a software company.
• Strong executive stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience establishing governance, reporting structures, and delivery frameworks.
• Demonstrated people leadership, including direct management of Project Managers.
• Advanced capability in budgeting, financial management, and cost control.
• Ability to handle risks, dependencies, issues, and shifting priorities across multiple initiatives.
• Commercial awareness, including contract management and spotting business opportunities.
• Comfort leading teams through change and uncertain conditions.
• Highly organised approach with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Program or project management certification plus a degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in government and professional services environments.
• Based in Melbourne and able to work in a hybrid arrangement.
• Strong report-writing ability and proficiency with Microsoft productivity tools.

Benefits

• Inclusive and welcoming workplace with opportunities to learn, grow, and perform at your best.
• Culture that encourages giving back, including Days of Difference leave for volunteering with a charity of your choice.
• Flexible working arrangements supported by the technology and tools to work from home and connect in the office as needed.

Equal opportunity statement

Civica is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. The company values diverse experience and actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.