About the role
In this leadership position, you will lead the development and facilitation of strategies, policies and actions that support our communities to be inclusive, diverse, healthy and socially connected. Underpinned by Social Equity Principles, you will drive a collaborative and partnership approach to develop community leadership, social inclusion and the achievement of community aspirations. 

Work type: Permanent Full Time
Classification: Band 8 Commencing at $118,486 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership, supervision and professional support to project staff within the department
• Lead the development of initiatives and activities which encourage participation of residents from a range of socio-economic, cultural backgrounds and abilities in local groups and committees.
• Design and implement community development and engagement strategies that gather insights from diverse groups to inform inclusive planning and service delivery.
• Monitor emerging policy, social trends and community needs to support evidence-based planning, program development, and advocacy efforts.
• Develop strong partnerships with community groups and organisations to support community leadership and inclusion.
• Cultivate a positive and inclusive team culture that is consistent with the organizational values, ensure staff feel valued, productive, engaged and supported while developing their professional skills.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced people leader, working with a diverse range of people in the Community Development and Inclusion fields. You will have deep connections within the community, be highly adaptable with a professional approach to your work and a continuous improvement mindset. Your ability to negotiate and influence at a high level is paramount.

Essential Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications, in the Social Sciences, Community Development, Health or a related field, or an equivalent mix of qualifications and work experience.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and provide professional support to employees, volunteers, and community members, while promoting teamwork and fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals.
• Significant experience in the planning, development and implementation of community development programs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data, policies and issues that have an impact on local communities and implement relevant responses
• Knowledge of community development research principles and methodology.
• Understanding of the relationship between State and Federal spheres of government and non-government sectors especially in relation to policy implementation.
• Capability to lead engagement activities that identify community priorities, encourage participation in decision-making processes, and implement collaborative actions to address local aspirations.
• Preferred candidate will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! 

Child Safety Responsibilities 
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion 
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries
Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquires: Felicity Bolitho – Manager Community Strengthening | 5272 5635 | FBolitho@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience. We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.

#LI - Hybrid