Manager Communities & Cultural Services

Public Sector People; Emerald, Gladstone Regional; On-site; AUD 210,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Council accommodation

Total Remuneration Package

Job summary

Central Highlands Regional Council in Emerald, QLD, is seeking a Manager Community & Cultural Services to lead libraries, arts and culture, community grants and regional events from Emerald. You will guide diverse teams, manage budgets and partnerships to deliver measurable community outcomes with accountable governance.

The role offers a broad leadership portfolio, relocation assistance, and the potential for council accommodation as part of the overall remuneration package.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in government, community services or a large service organisation.
• Experience building capability, governance and performance across complex portfolios.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical programs and measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Community and Cultural Services portfolio.
• Coach and develop multidisciplinary teams, strengthening accountability and performance.
• Improve quality and effectiveness of community programs and public services.
• Progress strategies across libraries, arts, culture and heritage.
• Oversee community grants and align programs with Council priorities.
• Manage budgets, resources and financial accountability.
• Build partnerships with community organisations, Traditional Owners and government agencies.
• Advise Executive Leadership Team and elected representatives.
• Strengthen governance, planning and operational processes.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and measurable community outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Governance

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

People leadership

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Job description

Manager Community & Cultural Services

Central Highlands Regional Council | Emerald, QLD | $210K–$252K TRP

Public Sector People is partnering with Central Highlands Regional Council to appoint a Manager Community & Cultural Services, an influential leadership role based in Emerald.

An opportunity to lead, influence and make a difference.

Take ownership of a broad portfolio of services that matter to communities across the Central Highlands, with the freedom to develop people, strengthen performance and shape future priorities.

Council is seeking a confident, practical leader who can bring teams together, solve complex problems and turn strategic direction into tangible results.

With key initiatives underway, you will build on established foundations, strengthen governance and capability, and make a lasting contribution to the organisation and its communities.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director Communities, you will lead libraries, arts and culture, community grants, regional events, youth programs, First Nations initiatives, community relationships and human and social recovery.

This varied portfolio calls for a leader who can connect different functions, set clear priorities and deliver outcomes. You do not need to be a technical specialist in every service area; strong leadership and good governance are essential.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership across the Community and Cultural Services portfolio
• Coaching and developing multidisciplinary teams and strengthening accountability and performance
• Improving the quality and effectiveness of community programs and public-facing services
• Progressing strategies and initiatives across libraries, arts, culture and heritage
• Overseeing community grants and aligning programs with Council and community priorities
• Managing budgets, resources, service performance and financial accountability
• Building partnerships with community organisations, Traditional Owners and government agencies
• Providing considered advice to the Executive Leadership Team and elected representatives
• Strengthening governance, systems, planning and operational processes
• Identifying practical opportunities for innovation and measurable community outcomes

About You

Above all, you will be a capable people leader who gets results.

You will thrive in a complex service environment, communicate clearly, navigate competing priorities and bring people with you through change while setting high expectations.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Proven leadership experience in government, community services or a complex service organisation
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and building capability in others
• Good governance, financial management and operational planning skills
• Ability to translate strategy into practical programs and measurable outcomes
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement capability
• Confidence working with executives, elected representatives and diverse communities
• Sound judgement and an ability to manage competing expectations and priorities
• Experience delivering positive community outcomes and service improvements
• A collaborative, practical approach to change and continuous improvement
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or substantial comparable leadership experience

Council welcomes candidates from local and state government, major not-for-profit organisations and other community-focused service providers. A traditional community services background is not essential if you can demonstrate effective leadership and accountable service delivery.

This may also suit an experienced Coordinator or senior leader from a larger organisation who is ready to step into broader management responsibility.

Why Central Highlands Regional Council?

This is your opportunity to influence more than day-to-day operations: shape a diverse portfolio and the way services evolve across the region.

Council is progressing initiatives across libraries, arts, youth, heritage, events and community grants. You will build on this work, strengthen your team and improve the experience of the communities Council serves.

You will have room to introduce fresh ideas while working within a supportive and accountable local government environment.

For a leader motivated by variety, problem-solving and community impact, this is an opportunity to make the role your own.

The opportunity offers:

• $210,000–$252,000 Total Remuneration Package
• A visible senior leadership role across a broad and varied portfolio
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to the region
• Potential access to Council accommodation

Based in Emerald, you can enjoy the benefits of regional living, a welcoming community and access to the Central Highlands’ remarkable natural attractions.

If you are ready to develop people, improve services and contribute to the future of the Central Highlands, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

Be part of something that matters, with like-minded people who truly care. One Place. Many Paths. Choose Yours Here.

Applications close Tuesday 3rd November at 5pm