Community Development Officer

Careers at Council; Colac; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking a Community Development Officer to lead planning, delivery and evaluation of programs, projects and events that improve wellbeing and the quality of life for our diverse community in Colac Otway Shire.

You will develop and deliver innovative community programs, engage with communities and partners, and monitor outcomes to ensure voices guide strategy and decisions. Fixed-term 2-year role with potential extension, salary info included.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in community development, public health, social sciences or related field.
• Experience working with community groups, young people and partner organisations.
• Current driver’s licence and Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one).

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver innovative community development programs and events.
• Support community engagement and consultation activities across the Shire.
• Foster partnerships with schools, community groups, service providers and government agencies.
• Champion inclusion, accessibility and participation for all community members.
• Coordinate and implement funded projects and initiatives.
• Assist community groups with funding applications and project development.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on program outcomes and community impact.
• Ensure community voices and lived experience help shape Council strategies and decisions.

Skills

Community engagement

Public consultation

Partnership development

Project management

Facilitation

Communication

Education

Qualifications in community development/public health/social sciences or related field

Job description

Temporary Full-Time (2-Year Fixed Term) with a possible further extension pending funding approval

Band 6 | Colac Otway Shire Council

Make a meaningful difference where it matters most.

Are you passionate about building stronger, healthier and more connected communities? Do you thrive on bringing people together, creating opportunities for participation, and turning great ideas into impactful community initiatives?

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Community Development Officer to lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of programs, projects and events that enhance the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our diverse community.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to major strategic initiatives, including the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, Disability Action Plan and the Connected Futures project, while working alongside community members, local organisations, government agencies and internal stakeholders to create lasting positive outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing

In this rewarding role, you will:

• Develop and deliver innovative community development programs and events
• Support community engagement and consultation activities across the Shire
• Foster partnerships with schools, community groups, service providers and government agencies
• Champion inclusion, accessibility and participation for all community members
• Coordinate and implement funded projects and initiatives
• Assist community groups with funding applications and project development
• Monitor, evaluate and report on program outcomes and community impact
• Ensure community voices and lived experience help shape Council strategies and decisions

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about community wellbeing and social inclusion
• A confident communicator and facilitator who enjoys working with diverse groups
• Experienced in community engagement, consultation and partnership development
• Skilled at managing multiple projects and priorities
• An innovative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
• Organised, proactive and able to work both independently and collaboratively

You will ideally have qualifications in community development, public health, social sciences or a related field, along with experience working with community groups, young people and partner organisations.

A current driver's licence and a Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one) are essential.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about helping communities thrive and want to play a key role in shaping the future wellbeing of the Colac Otway Shire, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary information: $89,613.98 to $96,656.50 per annum plus superannuation

Applications close on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 11.59pm.

Please note: we reserve the right to conduct interviews with suitable candidates prior to the closing date.

Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.