Manager Community Development

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 -Connected. Liveable. Thriving, our region is a model of sustainability, where caring for our environment, creating vibrant communities and growing our local economy is a way of life.

About the Role

The Community Development Branch plays a vital role in building strong, inclusive and connected communities across the Sunshine Coast. Through social planning, community engagement, grants, partnerships and collaboration, the Branch supports initiatives that build community resilience, celebrate diversity and create opportunities for all. Working closely with community organisations, government partners and internal stakeholders, the Branch is at the forefront of shaping a sustainable, thriving region and delivering meaningful outcomes for people and places.

Reporting to the Director Community Strengthening, the Manager Community Development provides strategic leadership and overall management of the Community Development Branch. This senior role is responsible for translating Council’s vision into tangible community outcomes, leading high‑impact strategies and frameworks, and fostering strong partnerships across sectors. The role offers the opportunity to influence regional priorities, lead complex initiatives, and drive long‑term social impact in one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead delivery, review and reporting of Council’s Community Strategy, Reconciliation Action Plan and Community Engagement Framework
• Provide expert policy, strategy and governance advice to elected members, executives and stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community organisations, government and industry
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing Branch, managing budgets, resources and change effectively

About you

You are a strategic, values‑led leader with extensive experience in community development, social planning and complex stakeholder environments. You bring a strong commitment to social justice and inclusive community outcomes.

You have a proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams, driving performance while fostering a positive, collaborative and high‑trust culture aligned with organisational values.

You are confident providing high‑level advice on policy, strategy and governance, with strong analytical skills and the ability to influence decision‑makers and navigate complexity.

You are an outstanding communicator and relationship‑builder, known for your ability to engage, negotiate and partner effectively to deliver sustainable, community‑focused outcomes.

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 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.

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 2025-2030.

For specific enquiries contact Katherine Hartshorne during business hours on 0408 034 498.

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 [email protected].

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.