About the organisation
Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.
Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.
We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.
Job Description
About the program
The Artful Dodgers Studios
The Artful Dodgers Studios has been providing socially and community engaged creative practice for marginalised young people between the ages of 15 and 27 since its inception in 1997.
The Studios has been a dedicated artmaking space supporting young people to engage in artmaking. In so doing, the Studios has provided a safe place centered on visual arts practice as a way to heal, find connections and provide a stable and regular routine to support people to reconnect and rebuild confidence, as well as a pathway to further opportunities in the arts and other fields.
The new vision for the future of the Artful Dodgers Studios is for it to provide an engaging and activating service for people experiencing mental health and other challenges. While it will have a small studio co-located with the Jesuit Social Services Ecological Justice Hub, it will, in addition, be a mobile offering, able to respond to the needs of program participants at different locations across Melbourne.
Based at the Ecological Justice Hub, the Artful Dodgers will integrate art and care for the planet through its programs, providing a safe environment for people with mental health challenges, a diverse range of activities, and a sense of belonging. Studios space will continue to provide an opportunity for development and delivery of a range of artistic endeavours as well as providing a base for Artful Dodgers staff to plan and develop a mobile service for ‘virtual studios’ delivered on a sessional basis in other locations. Emphasis will be placed on these mobile activities being provided in other Jesuit Social Services locations and beyond in collaboration with local program personnel.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial leader in arts based programs to lead the re-imagining of the Artful Dodgers Studios as a program offering a thriving and activating arts and culture hub and outreach service for young people experiencing mental health and other challenges to their social and economic participation.
The role will focus on increasing engagement of those experiencing mental health and other challenges with the program through building active referral pathways, and ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Artful Dodgers Studios through building the funding base and through the development of partnerships and joint activities with other arts based and community sector organisations.
What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:
- A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
- Ongoing role related training and development
- An organisation that lives their values, through our day-to-day work
- A welcoming and supportive environment
- Employee assistance program
- A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
- Generous leave
Desired Skills and Experience
Candidate Requirements
This role will suit a person with the following skills and experience:
- Tertiary qualification/s and/or relevant experience in field
- Experience in the management of arts-based programs, including experience in strategic planning, supervising staff, managing resources, and reporting.
- Experience in securing resources from arts funding bodies, philanthropy and Government and preparing effective submissions for funding.
- Ability to work co-operatively with therapeutic and social care staff in facilitating participation in Artful Dodgers Studios programs.
- Demonstrated understanding of and expertise in engaging those experiencing mental health and other challenges, including those involved with the justice system, in artistic and cultural activities as a platform for social inclusion and personal development.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills.
For further details please contact Human.Resources@jss.org.au. Applications must include a resume, cover letter and address each of the Key Selection Criteria.
Salary for this role is $110,000, and it is available as a part time role
Applications close 5.00 p.m. Friday 8th August 2025
Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.
We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.
Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.