Community Partnerships Officer

Permanent Part Time, 32 hours per week 

$95,403.67 pro rata (plus 11% super and annual pay increases)

Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime & WFH

At Surf Coast Shire Council, we care about our people and our community, and we exist to support both to thrive. We are a region full of spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests, rural hinterland, and magnificent beaches, not to mention the Great Ocean Road, one of the tourists draw cards of Australia. The Surf Coast is among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria.

Our employees enjoy a supportive and connected culture, flexible work-life balance offering hybrid flexible working options, free staff onsite parking and much more.

This position will build and maintain partnerships with community groups, clubs, other organisations and businesses that strengthen community capacity and support the delivery of community projects that help our community and environment to thrive.

We are currently looking for a Community Partnerships Officer who is a compassionate and dedicated person and is driven to making a positive impact on the lives of our local community members and their families. 

To be successful in this role you will have: 

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills and an ability to liaise and establish working relationships with Councillors, residents, government authorities, service agencies and community groups.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with staff, community groups, and external organisations.
• Effectively problem solve, exercise sound judgement and decision making in complex situations.

Key Selection Criteria
Mandatory Qualifications and Experience

• Degree (or advanced diploma) qualification or minimum 5 years’ experience in Recreation, Community Development, Land Management or a related field. 
• Exceptional strategic and operational planning and policy development skills relating to sport, recreation or land management.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of recreation and community development principles and approaches in relation to understanding and responding to community needs.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with an ability to negotiate win-win outcomes.
• A strong cultural fit with Council’s purpose, direction and approach.
• Current Victorian driver’s licence
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in Local Government
• Demonstrated experience with management of public land
• Experience dealing with community groups
• Project management experience including strategy and policy development.

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Meredith Kelly, Coordinator Community Facilities, Projects and Partnerships on 5261 0600.

Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter
• statement addressing the selection criteria 
• copy of your resume. 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

To apply online please visit https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Working-with-us/Employment   

Select the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.