General Manager Community Development

at; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Perth invites applications for the role of General Manager Community Development. You will lead the Arts & Culture, Community Safety & Amenity and Community Services portfolios from Council House in Perth, shaping strategy and delivering outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors.

You will collaborate with Elected Members, government agencies and community partners, demonstrating strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and sound judgement in a dynamic civic environment.

Qualifications

• An accomplished executive leader with vision and strategic capability to operate in a complex environment.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across government, industry and community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Community Development portfolio, including Arts & Culture, Community Safety & Amenity, and Community Services.
• Shape initiatives to enhance community wellbeing, cultural vitality and safety; build trusted relationships and influence strategic direction.
• Drive innovation, organisational performance and collaboration across the City.

Job description

Lead Community Development in Western Australia's Capital City

As the capital city of Western Australia, the City of Perth plays a unique statutory and civic role in shaping the economic, cultural and social life of the State. Through strong leadership, meaningful partnerships and exceptional service delivery, we are committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive and safe capital for residents, businesses and visitors.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Manager Community Development leads one of the City's most significant and community-focused portfolios:

• Arts & Culture
• Community Safety & Amenity
• Community Services

You will shape initiatives that enhance community wellbeing, strengthen cultural vitality and contribute to a safe, welcoming and connected capital city. Working closely with Elected Members, government agencies, community organisations and industry partners, you will build trusted relationships, influence strategic direction and deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.

You will also contribute to the broader strategic direction of the organisation by driving innovation, organisational performance and collaboration across the City.

About You

You are an accomplished executive leader with the vision, credibility and strategic capability to succeed in a complex and dynamic environment.

You will demonstrate:

• A proven ability to develop strategy, lead organisational performance and deliver sustainable outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry and the community.
• Strong commercial acumen, political awareness and sound judgement.
• An authentic and collaborative leadership style that develops people, builds capability and fosters a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

Above all, you will lead with integrity and embody the City's values of Commitment, Teamwork, Courage and Respect.

Why Join the City of Perth?

Help shape the future of Western Australia's capital city.

As General Manager Community Development, you will lead services that make a tangible difference to residents, businesses and visitors while contributing to the City’s long-term vision and success.

The City of Perth offers a collaborative executive environment, a competitive negotiable executive remuneration package and a five-year maximum term contract based at Council House in the heart of Perth's CBD.

Applications close:

5.00 pm AWST, Monday 24 August 2026.

To be considered, applicants must:

• Have the right to work in Australia.
• Hold or be willing to obtain a current National Police Clearance.

Canvassing of Elected Members during the recruitment process will disqualify your application.

The City of Perth is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities.