The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (SOSJ) is a Catholic religious congregation, founded in South Australia in 1866, by Saint Mary MacKillop and Reverend Julian Tenison Woods.
There are around 580 Sisters living and ministering throughout Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, Brazil and Timor-Leste, continuing God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life, working for justice, empowering others and bringing hope to those in need.
St Joseph’s Retreat and Education Centre
St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre is a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Governed by Spirituality Ministry of Sisters of Saint Joseph Ltd, this Centre offers the opportunity for individuals and groups to experience spiritual enrichment and personal development in a peaceful and spacious setting.
Located at Kincumber South, in a natural bushland setting, this is a quiet corner of the beautiful Central Coast of NSW. The spacious grounds from the Kincumber Broadwater, create an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace that enhances the spiritual and reflective nature of the Centre.
The SOSJ regard the Centre as the ‘jewel in the crown’ in terms of its beauty and location. It is a place that was very dear to Saint Mary MacKillop. It is approx. 1½ hours from the CBD of both Sydney and Newcastle, and close to the Central Coast beaches. It has enormous potential for growth through effective collaboration with Catholic and other religious groups and the further development of regular retreat and spirituality programs.
The Centre has 40 rooms and 8 permanent staff, supported by a team of regular casuals.
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting the Centre’s website located at https://www.stjosephskincumber.org.au/
Additional information can also be viewed by visiting the SOSJ website located at https://www.sosj.org.au/
We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia, the traditional custodians of the land, seas, skies and waterways on which we reside, work, travel and meet. We pay our respect to First Nations elders past, present, and emerging, and support the Uluru Statement From The Heart.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, video or audio recordings.
Position Overview
Position Title: Centre Manager
Reports to: Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph Board (currently)
Position Context
The location and setting of the Centre provide enormous opportunity for growth. In recent years the Centre has struggled financially. With a clear purpose and sense of strategic direction it has the potential to become a dynamic Centre, providing a range of spirituality and sanctuary experiences.
Position Purpose
The Centre Manager is (currently) accountable to the Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph Board and is responsible for the operations of the Centre.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaboration with Catholic organisations and other religious groups in the development of retreat and spirituality programs.
- Promoting and marketing the location and events through a variety of marketing channels, including social media.
- Preparing venue packages and pricing options and negotiating with clients.
- Team management, including:
- Supervising staff including housekeeping, hospitality, event staff, grounds/general maintenance staff.
- Liaising with contractors.
- Coordinating the logistics, including:
- Managing bookings and liaising with the clients to determine event requirements.
- Supervising the operations of events.
- Coordinating catering and housekeeping services.
- Scheduling and coordinating venue equipment, such as the rental of sound and IT equipment.
- Centre/site management and administration, including:
- Maintenance and repairs of the venue grounds, property, equipment and facilities.
- Ensuring that the venue and facilities are clean and organised.
- Managing all administrative tasks such as booking schedules and invoicing.
- Communicating and enforcing security regulations and protocols.
Key Relationships
The Centre has 8 permanent staff, some employed for up to 20 years, supported by a team of regular casuals. The staff currently includes an administration officer, three in housekeeping and hospitality, a chef and three grounds/general maintenance.
This Centre shares financial services with St Joseph’s Centre for Reflective Living Norwest. The Finance Officer, currently located at Norwest, is accountable to the Board for the preparation of the budget, monthly reporting and other financial functions for both centres.
Reason for Vacancy
The Sister who currently manages the Centre will complete her ministry after 16 years of dedicated service at the end of 2023. This appointment will be the first lay person to lead the Centre.
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable, with December this year or January 2024 the ideal, to provide a smooth transition of leadership.
Location
The Centre address is 8 Humphreys Road, Kincumber South.
Conditions of Employment
- The salary will be discussed as we move through this process.
- It may be possible for on-site accommodation to be provided.
- The initial contract period is 3 years. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
- Applicants will require a current Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
- Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a National Criminal History Check.
- Given the significant number of weekend groups, you need a willingness to work flexible hours and on weekends and holidays.
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- Active and comfortable in supporting and encouraging individuals/ groups seeking faith based/spirituality or reflection experiences.
- Experience in leading and managing a venue or as an event manager. This experience will include:
- creativity, promotional ability and knowledge of marketing channels and techniques.
- organisational and time management skills.
- ability to multitask and problem-solve while remaining calm in stressful situations.
- knowledge of safety and risk management strategies.
- The interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills to promote the Centre within the wider community.
- Commitment to the creation of a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults.
- Relevant qualifications such as in event management, hospitality, marketing or business.
Are You Interested?
If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1526. All we require at the outset is a resume, email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest. All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.
Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com
If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.
The Selection Process
The timeline for this project is as follows:
| Date of project launch/advertising | By Friday 22nd Sept. |
| Latest date for applications | Monday 9th Oct. |
| Selection committee short listing | During week commencing Mon. 16th Oct. |
| Anticipated date for SOSJ interviews | Week of Monday 23rd or 30th Oct. |
| Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.
- We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
- Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the SOSJ schedule.
- We expect to complete a work-related reference prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews; with final references completed in the final stages of the process. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
- The selection committee will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
- Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the SOSJ Congregational Leader, or her nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- For more information on our process click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
- Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
- Please note: people are contacted and discussions commence soon after applications are received. We do not wait until the close date. There are advantages in applying immediately.
Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.
Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.
You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.
