Recreation Officer / Recreation Coordinator

Full-time role in Laurieton, NSW, coordinating national youth recreation programs for an established non-profit.

National Recreation and Outreach Coordinator

Organisation: Word of Life Youth Ministry Australia
Location: Laurieton, NSW
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per annum

Job Highlights

• Full-time position based in Laurieton, NSW, coordinating recreation and youth outreach programs across Australia.
• Plan, organise and coordinate camps, sporting events, recreation facilities and community programs in partnership with churches, schools and youth organisations.
• Join an established Christian non-profit organisation with more than 50 years of experience supporting young people across Australia.

Key Benefits

• Access to in-house learning, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• Join a supportive, values-driven Christian organisation committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through engaging recreation and outreach programs.
• Develop experience coordinating national programs, events and community partnerships.
• Work alongside a passionate team of staff, volunteers and community organisations.

About Word of Life

Word of Life Youth Ministry is an international Christian non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people through biblical teaching, recreation, personal development and community outreach.

For more than 50 years, Word of Life has operated in Australia, partnering with churches, schools and youth organisations to create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, discover purpose and experience hope.

Our mission is to reach today's youth, whose needs constantly change, with biblical principles that never change.

We are seeking an organised, motivated and community-minded National Recreation and Outreach Coordinator to help deliver and expand our recreation and youth engagement programs across Australia.

About the Role

As National Recreation and Outreach Coordinator, you will be responsible for planning, organising and coordinating recreation programs, facilities, activities and partnerships that support Word of Life's national youth outreach initiatives.

Working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, churches, schools and youth organisations, you will help develop and deliver engaging, safe and inclusive recreation opportunities for young people.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning and Coordination

• Assess recreation needs and develop a national calendar of camps, sporting events, outdoor activities and community programs.
• Plan, organise and coordinate recreation programs in collaboration with churches, schools, youth organisations and community partners.
• Develop and improve recreation activities that encourage participation, personal development, teamwork and positive relationships.
• Advise partner organisations on activity selection, program design and effective participation strategies.

Facilities and Resource Management

• Assess and coordinate recreation facilities, venues, equipment and resources.
• Manage venue bookings, facility access, maintenance requirements and equipment availability.
• Coordinate transport, accommodation, logistics, budgets and other operational requirements for programs and events.
• Support efficient and responsible use of organisational resources.

Leadership and Partnerships

• Coordinate staff, volunteers and program participants to support successful program delivery.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with churches, schools, youth organisations and community stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and operational support to volunteers and partner organisations.
• Promote collaboration and consistent program delivery across different locations.

Safety, Compliance and Evaluation

• Implement appropriate risk assessments, child safety procedures and activity supervision.
• Ensure recreation activities comply with relevant safeguarding, workplace health and safety and organisational requirements.
• Monitor participation, collect feedback and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and recommend improvements to recreation programs and outreach initiatives.

Organisational Values

• Represent Word of Life professionally when engaging with participants, families, churches, schools and community partners.
• Support the organisation's mission and work in accordance with its Statement of Belief, safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct.

About You

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and capable individual who enjoys working with people and has a passion for developing recreation opportunities that positively impact young lives.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in recreation management, sport and recreation, leisure studies, outdoor recreation or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience planning, organising and coordinating recreation programs, activities or events.
• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, managing resources and supporting program delivery.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with churches, schools, youth organisations and community stakeholders.
• Understanding of child protection, safeguarding procedures and recreation risk management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently or collaboratively.
• Commitment to providing safe, welcoming and inclusive recreation experiences.

Additional Requirements

• Current Working with Children Check.
• Current NSW driver licence.
• Current first aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain these before commencing relevant duties.
• Appropriate Australian work rights for the position.
• Availability to participate in occasional evening and weekend activities, camps and travel within NSW and interstate.

Christian Mission and Statement of Belief

Word of Life is a Christian youth ministry whose programs, activities and organisational culture are guided by biblical principles.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of Word of Life's Christian mission, respect and support its Statement of Belief, and carry out their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the organisation's values, safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct.

Our Statement of Belief provides the foundation for our ministry and guides how we serve young people, families and communities.

Employment Details

Position: National Recreation and Outreach Coordinator
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Laurieton, NSW (in person)
Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per annum

Working Hours:

• Ordinary working hours as specified in the employment agreement.
• Evening, weekend and camp attendance as required.
• Travel within NSW and interstate as required.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about recreation, youth development and making a positive contribution to the community, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit:

• Your current CV or résumé.
• A cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience and suitability for the role.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the advertised closing date.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including relevant police and Working with Children checks.

Word of Life Youth Ministry Australia is committed to creating safe, respectful and welcoming environments for children and young people.

Word of Life Fellowship Ltd is an Australian-registered, non-denominational evangelical Christian parachurch ministry founded globally in 1940 and established in Australia in 1970, dedicated to reaching youth with the gospel and helping them take their next step with Jesus. Operating as a registered charity rather than a standalone church denomination, the organisation partners directly with local congregations and public high schools to provide Bible-based curricula, leadership training, and youth coaching. Their primary activities include running student Bible clubs, hosting school outreach programs like KICKOFF, and driving the Go Tell Movement to equip teenagers for gospel conversations, all centered around a core mission to reach the lost, restore backsliders, and refresh committed believers.