Manager Community Support

Permanent Full time
Located in Torquay - Flexible working arrangements available

The Surf Coast Shire is a visitor and lifestyle destination. We have spectacularly unique environments from the coast to the hinterland - towns and villages with their own culture and lifestyles. The charm and values of a coastal lifestyle make it a place where people want to live, work, visit and experience an exceptional quality of life. In 2023 it was judged one of Australia’s most liveable municipalities.

Servicing our community, Surf Coast Shire Council’s aim is to be an innovative and flexible leader committed to business excellence. As well as providing opportunities to do meaningful work that benefits our community, Council offers the chance to add to a great culture that people want to be a part of. Our workforce reflects the communities it serves, and our culture is supportive, respectful, and connected to our purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive. 

At Surf Coast, we work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

The Manager of Community Support is a significant leadership role at Council. This person will lead a team of dedicated and skilled professionals who deliver our communications, community engagement, customer experience and community health and development services and policies. This Manager leads across the organisation providing key advice to the Executive, Councillors and drives good performance in fellow leaders.

You will bring strong leadership skills to develop high performing teams in the Community Support department. You will possess a philosophy and skills in working with communities to help them achieve their own aspirations. Your expertise in community engagement, strategic communication, issues and media management will shine through. An extensive background improving the customer experience and your ability to work across the organisation will set you up for success.

Mandatory Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in social sciences, community development, communications, public relations, or a related discipline.
• At least five years practical management experience driving and achieving excellence in customer service, communications, community engagement and community health and development.
• A track record of outstanding people leadership and team development skills.
• A strong cultural fit with the Surf Coast Shire Council’s purpose, direction and approach.
• Ability to think of the bigger picture to innovate and change services in a complex environment.
• Ability to understand community sentiment and manage time critical issues balanced with developing long term vision and strategies.
• Ability to provide frank and fearless advice to executive management and Councillors.
• Hold a 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

• Post Graduate qualifications in a business management or related discipline.
• Experience in Local Government.

What you’ll love working with us

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.

More information on the role accountabilities, and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description above.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Damian Waight, General Manager Community Life 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.

Simply complete the application process by clicking 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.