Community Development Lead

Why work with us?

At Council, we’re proud of our region. We collaborate with community to achieve truly sustainable outcomes, enhance our enviable lifestyle, and create award-winning places and spaces that are uniquely Sunshine Coast. So, if you love it here as much as we do, and you want to shape our region for the future – you’ll want to join our team!

With the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region - Healthy, Smart, and Creative, council is at the forefront of delivering a number of region-shaping projects that will see the region become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, along with opportunities and a lifestyle for all to enjoy.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced professional that is committed to making a positive difference and can contribute to building a strong community on the Sunshine Coast.

Working within the Community Planning and Development Branch, this role leads a team of passionate and exciting Community Development professionals to facilitate, coordinate, develop and implement quality Community Development initiatives, in partnership with the community.  The team is committed to supporting, growing, and sustaining healthy, inclusive, connected and resilient communities as outlined in the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041.

This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining strong and effective relationships and partnerships, working with the community to empower, build and strengthen capacity, take collective action, and develop innovative responses to meet current and emerging community needs and opportunities.

The successful candidate will lead from the front, driving a culture that values people, encourages openness and innovation and nurtures a positive, collaborative and supportive team environment. You will provide strong leadership, strategic and technical advice ensuring the work undertaken by the team applies a strong Community Development practice framework, relational approach and social justice principles. 

About you

As a Community Development professional, you possess tertiary qualifications in Community Development, Social Sciences, Social Policy and Planning or other related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

You will have substantial experience in Community Development practice combined with experience and skills in leading a team of professionals to successfully deliver outcomes.  You will be a great relationship builder with the proven ability to connect with community, foster collaboration, and establish strong and effective partnerships with a range of internal and external partners.

As a leader you will have highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, strong time management, work prioritisation and organisation skills, to ensure the work of the team is delivered on time and to a high standard.  Strong business acumen including the ability to prepare professional documents, correspondence and deliver presentations will also be required.

You will hold a current “C” Class Driver’s Licence and a current Working with Children Blue Card

Our Culture & Employee Benefits

Council is committed to creating an inclusive, culturally diverse, healthy, skilled and dedicated workplace culture. As an employee you will enjoy a range of benefits and working styles to suit you:

• Wellbeing: Your wellbeing is important to us therefore we offer a number of different initiatives such as discounted health related memberships, fitness passport, employee assistance program and development opportunities. 
• Flexibility: We know it is important to balance life and work, therefore we offer flexible working including a 9-day fortnight and a hybrid WFH model that help you be your best.
• Extras: Those extras make a difference therefore we offer salary packaging options on novated leases, superannuation, smartphones and devices. We also pay you 17.5% leave loading and generous Superannuation where council will contribute 12% Superannuation in addition to your 6% superannuation contribution.

How to apply

Your written application should include:

• A 1-2 page cover letter demonstrating your ability to fulfil the mandatory and desirable requirements on the Position Profile. Keep the key responsibilities in mind when addressing this criteria; and
• A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Once you have these two documents ready, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to complete your application.

Further Information

Helpful information to assist you in completing your application is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website.

To learn more about Council’s vision and projects, you can view the Corporate Plan 2023-2027.

For specific enquiries contact Kerrie Forrest during business hours on 0448 186 ***.

We're working hard to create an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to the Recruitment Team *********@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

At Sunshine Coast Council, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background including First Nations, disability, religion and sexual orientation. To deliver the best service to our region we want a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we serve. Sunshine Coast Council strongly encourages all suitable applicants to apply for this role.