Manager Community & Engagement

Yass Valley Council; Yass Valley; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development

Access to council employment benefits

Job summary

Yass Valley Council is seeking an experienced Manager Community and Engagement to lead the Community & Engagement team through a period of growth. You will shape how Council listens to, connects with and responds to its diverse community, informing decisions, policies, strategies and service delivery.

Located in Yass, this fixed-term maternity leave role runs until January 2028, offering a leadership opportunity to deliver meaningful outcomes and mentor a high-performing team while maintaining a

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead community engagement initiatives.
• Experience developing strategy and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Background in local government or related field per ad.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Community & Engagement team through a period of growth and opportunity.
• Shape how Council listens to, connects with and responds to its community, informing decisions, policies, strategies and service delivery.
• Provide strategic direction and mentorship to deliver meaningful outcomes for diverse communities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Community engagement

Team development

Job description

View a full position description on Council Website

Location: Yass, NSW
Job Type: Full Time –Term Contract Until January 2028
Job Category: Community & Engagement
Salary Range: An attractive total reward package awaits the right candidate
Closing Date: 8.11.26

Lead meaningful community engagement. Strengthen relationships. Make a lasting difference.

Imagine a role where your work strengthens communities, shapes important conversations, promotes a thriving region and leaves a lasting impact on thousands of people.

At Yass Valley Council, we're looking for an outstanding leader to guide our Community & Engagement team through an exciting period of growth and opportunity.

This fixed-term maternity leave opportunity until January 2028 is ideal for someone who wants to make their mark, lead a high-performing team and help drive meaningful outcomes for the community we serve.

We're not looking for someone to simply fill a role. We're looking for someone who will embrace it, elevate it and make it their own.

Yass Valley Council is seeking an experienced and innovative Manager Community and Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Council listens to, connects with and responds to its community, ensuring community voices inform decisions, policies, strategies and service delivery.

Working as part of Council’s leadership team, you will provide strategic direction, inspire a high-performing team and champion best-practice engagement that builds trust, strengthens relationships and delivers positive outcomes for our diverse community.

Why this role?
Reporting to the Director Corporate & Community, you will lead the development and implementation of Council’s community engagement and participation strategies, ensuring engagement is purposeful, accessible, inclusive and aligned with Council’s strategic priorities.
Because very few roles offer the chance to:

• Lead a portfolio that directly influences community outcomes.
• Shape how Council engages and communicates with residents, businesses and visitors.
• Inspire and mentor a talented, passionate and community-focused team.
• Drive innovative engagement and communication strategies.
• Champion the visitor economy and help showcase the best of Yass Valley.
• Work alongside senior leaders, councillors, community groups and industry stakeholders.
• Leave a lasting legacy through meaningful projects and partnerships.

About you
You are a collaborative and authentic leader who thrives on building relationships, bringing people together and creating positive outcomes.
You are equally comfortable developing strategy, leading teams, managing complex stakeholder relationships and delivering results.
You may come from a background in local government, communications, community engagement, tourism, destination marketing, public affairs or a related field.
Most importantly, you are someone who:

• Leads with vision, enthusiasm and integrity.
• Builds trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develops and empowers high-performing teams.
• Understands the value of genuine community engagement.
• Brings energy, initiative and fresh thinking to every challenge.

Why join us?
Located on Canberra's doorstep, Yass Valley offers an enviable lifestyle, a strong sense of community and an exciting future.
With growing townships, a thriving visitor economy, rich heritage and stunning rural landscapes, Yass Valley is a place where people are passionate about their community and invested in its future.
This role offers the opportunity to be part of that journey.

We offer:

• The opportunity to shape Council’s approach to community engagement and participation.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership environment.
• Meaningful work that contributes to local community wellbeing and long-term outcomes.
• Professional development and opportunities to grow your leadership capability.
• Flexible working arrangements, subject to operational requirements.
• A competitive remuneration package and access to applicable council employment benefits.

Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this position,
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and pass relevant pre-employment checks.

Yass Valley Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

Council also recognises the skills and attributes of veterans and welcomes applications from ex-service personnel.

The Welcome Experience
The Welcome Experience is a free service for workers and their families who are considering moving to or have moved to regional NSW. Local Connectors make moving easier by helping you find a home, schools, childcare, job opportunities for your partner, and connections within the community.
Learn more at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/makethemove/welcome-experience