About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Social Strategy Officer to join our team on a full-time basis. With a passion for the current and future needs of our community, in this role, you will lead on actions that address challenging social issues and deliver measurable and evidence-based policy, strategy and recommendations that guide resources and activities across the department and Council, including supporting forward planning for growth and the timely delivery of infrastructure.

We offer a hybrid working environment in this role and work together to balance our individual needs and working preferences with the needs of our colleagues, our customers and Council.

Salary: The salary for this position ranges from $104,336.00 - $120,773.00 per annum, plus 10.5% Superannuation, and will be negotiated commensurate with the skills, qualifications and experience of the preferred applicant.

This position requires the worker to be double vaccinated against COVID-19 or to hold a medical contraindication certificate.

About you

To be successful in this role, you must be a strong communicator, adept in researching and analysing complex information, and experienced in formulating sound, evidence-based strategies and recommendations. You will be a team player, providing support to the Social Strategy Program Manager and, where appropriate, guiding and advising other team members to grow their skills and to deliver quality outcomes.

If you have the following qualifications, skills and experience, we'd like to hear from you!

Essential criteria

• Tertiary qualification with a focus on Social Policy, Social Sciences, Community Development or a relevant area
• Demonstrated significant experience in researching, analysing and interpreting data and presenting clear and concise reports that can be used for the development of policy and strategy
• Demonstrated success delivering multiple community projects at the same time according to agreed timeframes and within budget
• Excellent verbal and written skills with demonstrated experience in the presentation of complex information for decision making
• Proven ability to blend research and consultation, and assess and interpret information in order to prepare comprehensive reports on key issues, formulate recommendations and provide specialist advice

Desirable criteria

• Qualification/s in Engagement, such as IAP2 certificate in Public Participation or similar
• Previous experience working in a government context

About us

The City Activation, Community and Place department supports a vibrant and inclusive City with thriving, resilient communities. The department sits within Council's City Futures division, which looks at all aspects of planning and delivering a better city for all residents now and into the future. We are a multidisciplinary team with a wide range of strengths and we work collaboratively to deliver outcomes from community-based events, flagship festivals, place-making and arts initiatives, sector capacity-building, safer communities as well as evidence-based policy with a focus on delivering measurable impact. We work innovatively with our community to drive positive outcomes that shape the future of our City. In this role, you will join a passionate, outcomes-driven team focused on supporting a thriving City for all.

Why work with us?

At Penrith City Council, we’re passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life, so we’re here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards, you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits, including:

• A range of flexible work arrangements
• 18 weeks paid maternity leave
• Health and wellbeing leave
• 15 days personal leave
• Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
• Diverse salary packaging
• And much, much more!

How to apply

Click Apply Now to find out more information about employment with Penrith City Council. To submit your application, please apply online using the link below.

Applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (listed above) as a part of their initial application. Applicants are also required to submit a resume and cover letter. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.

Completed applications must be received by 11.55pm on the closing date. Please allow 4 weeks from the closing date for the processing of your application.

For further information about the position, please contact Josh Staines, Acting Social Strategy Program Manager, on 4732 7457.

You may be required to undertake background checks, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

A position description is attached.