About the Program

Want to make a bigger impact? The Youth Sector Leaders Program is designed for emerging and established leaders to build the skills and expertise they need to influence systems and make meaningful progress. The program combines Leadership Victoria's 35+ years of leadership development expertise with YACVic's sector knowledge, networks and commitment to youth participation. With 5 intakes over three years and places for 120 leaders, there are multiple opportunities to join.

Series 1 Details

  • Cohort : Mid-Senior level managers

  • Location : Oaks on Market, 6 Market Street, Melbourne

  • Length : 5 in person days over 5 weeks

  • Program Fee : $250 per participant for small to medium-sized organisations and $500 per participant for large organisations ($3m+ turnover).

  • Resource : 6 months access to Learning Management System

  • Sponsorship : 4 places allocated for fully funded travel accomodation

    Key Dates for Series 1

    • Applications Close21 September

    • 5 OctoberCohort Announced

    • Induction email with program preparation13 October

    • 10 NovemberProgram Day 1

    • Program Day 211 November

    • 24 NovemberProgram Day 3

    • Program Day 48 December

    • 9 DecemberProgram Day 5

    Key Outcomes

    Lead adaptively through complexity

    Build the self-awareness, confidence and judgement to lead with purpose through uncertainty.

    Learn and apply systems thinking

    Learn practical frameworks to diagnose complexity and test new approaches.

    Influence across systems and boundaries

    Deploy communication and relationship-building to align stakeholders across teams, orgs, regions and sectors.

    Advance meaningful youth participation

    Share power and enable young people to influence decisions, policy and practice.

    Mobilise collective agency

    Build shared purpose and coordinate collective advocacy.

    Create enduring sector impact

    Translate learning into stronger cultures, lasting connections and better outcomes for young people.

    Who should apply

     

    Series 1 is open to mid-level and senior operational leaders across Victoria who bring youth sector experience and bridge strategy with frontline practice. We call them the "sandwich" leaders - those who sit right in the middle, translating big-picture strategy from above into real action on the frontline below.

    These are the people leading teams and programs, juggling complex stakeholders, and holding a lot of the weight that keeps organisations moving.

    If you bring youth sector experience and spend your days bridging vision and delivery, this cohort is built for you to sharpen your leadership, ease the pressure of the squeeze, and grow your influence across the sector.

    Leadership Victoria is committed to accessibility and inclusion. If cost presents a barrier to participation, please contact us to discuss options, including the potential for a fee waiver.

    Ready to lead change in Victoria's Youth Sector?

    Applications for Series 1 closed on 21 September, 2026.

    Expressions of Interest for Series 2 and Series 3 are also open!

    Program Dates - 14, 15, 22 April and 12, 13 May 2027.

    Register Interest

    Program Dates - 3, 4, 17, 31 August and 1 September 2027.

    Register Interest

    Didn't find the information you need? In case of further questions, please reach out to [email protected] for enquiries.