Full‑time, ongoing
ACTU – Education & Capacity Building (ATUI)
Location: Melbourne preferred (interstate travel required)

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is the peak body for unions in Australia. Through the Australian Trade Union Institute (ATUI), we deliver education and capacity‑building that supports unions to grow, win, and build power for working people.

We are seeking an experienced Capacity Building Manager to lead and strengthen our capacity building work across the union movement. This role is ideal for someone who has a high level of experience working in union leadership, organising, campaigning or education roles.

The ACTU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the rich cultural and social diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Education & Capacity Building, the Capacity Building Manager plays a key leadership role within the Australian Trade Union Institute. You will support and supervise a team of educators and capacity building practitioners, coordinate major initiatives, and work closely with unions and partners to deliver high‑ quality, values‑ driven‑ education and professional development.

This role is about embedding a culture of learning across unions — strengthening leadership, organising capability, specialist practice, and confidence to act in complex industrial and political environments.

Key responsibilities include

• Providing leadership, supervision and support to capacity building‑ team members
• Coordinating and overseeing the delivery of capacity building initiatives across ATUI
• Developing and delivering masterclasses, internal development programs, and specialist learning opportunities for union staff and leaders
• Managing key education partnerships, including delivery of short‑course and micro‑credential programs
• Contributing to strategic, operational and project planning for education and capacity building
• Identifying opportunities to expand and strengthen ATUI programs, partnerships and revenue streams
• Supporting high‑quality learning design, assessment and evaluation
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with ACTU affiliates and key stakeholders

About you

You will bring strong experience in union education, leadership or capacity‑building work, along with a collaborative and strategic approach. You are confident supporting others to learn and grow, and comfortable working in complex, values‑driven environments.

You will have:

• Demonstrated experience in union leadership, education or capacity‑building roles
• Experience facilitating training or learning programs, supported by relevant experience and/or qualifications
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and support others
• Experience in instructional design and adult learning principles
• Experience leading teams, work planning and implementation processes
• A strong commitment to union values, social justice and collective action

Experience working with marginalised or under‑represented communities, and experience in union education delivery, is desirable.

Why work with us

• Work at the centre of the union movement
• Contribute to meaningful change for working people
• Supportive, values‑driven team environment
• Opportunities to shape national education and capacity‑building initiatives

Interstate travel and occasional out‑of‑hours work are required.

Benefits

The ACTU offers a competitive salary range of $142,677 – $162,159 depending on skills and experience, along with:

• Additional 15% superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Working from home opportunities
• Generous leave arrangements, including up to 5 additional days of annual leave
• The opportunity to work a rostered day off arrangement

How to apply

Please provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role, along with your CV, to Natalie Lang, Director Education and Capacity Building at jobs@actu.org.au.

Applications without a cover letter addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.

Closing Date:

Applications close on Friday 17^th April 2026.