The City of Parramatta is going through unprecedented change and transformation as it becomes Sydney’s Central City. The intensity of growth and investment in City of Parramatta means that Council, their partners, and community have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the City’s future and ensure it is culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

About the role

This position is part of Council’s dynamic and multi-disciplined Community Capacity Building team.

This position is responsible for working with internal and external stakeholders within a community development framework to increase community capacity to achieve improved socio-economic outcomes for priority communities. The position provides high quality support and advice to workers at local not-for-profit agencies and groups to build their capacity, resilience and supports. The role resources local networks, inter-agencies and local initiatives.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Lead change in the sector and Council through the development of new approaches, capacity building and resources to support improved community outcomes
• Advocate on behalf of the community and the community sector; and facilitate the provision of advice to Council
• Connect people, services and resources to maximise opportunities and outcomes
• Establish operationally strategic and collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of Council’s priority social outcomes.
• Establish and maintain an expert understanding of the priority communities and to remain abreast of local community needs and issues knowledge.
• Undertake community needs assessments, skills auditing, and basic social research at the operational level with a strong focus on building and improving local capacity to identify and work towards improving community outcomes.

About You

The successful candidate will have previous experience working in a community development context.

More specifically, the successful candidate should have:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience and competence in working with disadvantaged communities to rebuild and renew communities to achieve improved outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build on community skills and resources and advocate for improved policies and programs.
• Ability to work as a contributing member of a team and to work independently while and a willingness to accept responsibility and take initiative.
• Well-developed communication and negotiation skills with an ability to communicate to diverse audiences.

It would be preferred for applicants to have:

• Tertiary qualifications in the social sciences or related field applicable to social planning or community development.
• Current NSW Working with Children’s Check or willingness to obtain
• Driver’s License

What’s on offer

Attractive salary package from $108,945.47 to $119,971.71 plus 10.5% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta offer excellent employee benefits which include:

• flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Salary sacrifice options
• Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave including 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport and Flu Shots
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the Position Description.

For a confidential discussion please contact William Pass on 0466 860 305 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Community Development Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

 How to apply

Candidates must apply online. Click "Apply Now".

Please attach a Cover Letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the requirements of this role.

Applications close 9pm on the advertised closing date and will not be accepted through any other medium.

The successful candidate is required to be vaccinated (at least 2 doses of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine) in accordance with Council's vaccination policy. Candidates may submit a medical contraindication for Council's consideration.

Prohibited persons as defined under the NSW Child Protection Act are not eligible to apply. A copy of a valid Working with Children Clearance must be presented at Interview.   

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.  

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.