Manager Government Relations And Strategic Projects

Council Jobs; Torquay; Hybrid; AUD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Work from home

Career development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Employee wellbeing program

Job summary

Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking a highly influential Manager Government Relations and Strategic Projects for a 12-month, temporary full-time role. Salary is $160,000–$170,000 per year, including super, with flexible working arrangements and work-from-home options.

You will advise the CEO and Executive Management, partner with Councillors and Ministers, and deliver high-profile projects that advance the council’s priorities and community outcomes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience advising senior decision-makers and Ministers.
• Ability to develop and influence government policy and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and promote Council’s advocacy priorities.
• Research and develop policy and other strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain partnerships across all levels of government and the community.
• Lead complex, politically sensitive and strategically significant projects.

Skills

Relationship-building

Influencing

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Negotiation

Public speaking

Leadership

Autonomy

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Politics/Policy/Strategy/Strategic Communications

Job description

Manager Government Relations And Strategic Projects

CEO & General Management,Community Services & Development,Other

• Temporary Full Time – 12-month contract with potential future opportunities
• $160,000 – $170,000 pa (incl. of super)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime and WFH

Who we are

Surf Coast Shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation and is blessed with unique environments from the coast to the hinterland – towns and villages with their own cultures and lifestyles. The charm and values of coastal lifestyle make it a place where people want to live, work, and visit to experience an exceptional quality of life.

Surf Coast Shire Council’s workforce is representative of the townships and communities it serves, and our culture is supportive, respectful and connected to our purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

We empower our people to do their best and be proud of their achievements. We have a commitment to growth and development, and our employees enjoy a contemporary working environment with flexibility and hybrid working arrangements.

Your new career
As a member of the Office of the CEO, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Council's advocacy agenda, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering high-profile projects that support the Surf Coast community.

You will be a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Management Team, and work closely with Councillors, government representatives and external stakeholders to:

• identify, develop and promote Council’s advocacy priorities
• research and develop policy and other strategic initiatives
• build and maintain strong partnerships across all levels of government and the community;
• lead projects that are complex, politically sensitive and strategically significant.

This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, champion Council's priorities and help shape the future direction of the Surf Coast region.

What you will bring to the role
We are seeking a highly influential and politically astute leader who thrives on building strong relationships and creating positive outcomes through collaboration and strategic thinking.

You are a natural connector with exceptional stakeholder management skills and the ability to navigate complex environments with confidence and credibility. You can influence without direct authority, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and establish trust through your expertise, sound judgement and professional approach.

You are equally capable of operating at a strategic level and working in a hands-on way to deliver specific outcomes.

To thrive in this role you will have:

• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, Councillors, Ministers and Members of Parliament, government officers, funding partners and community stakeholders.
• Strong political acumen and strategic thinking capabilities, with experience providing high-level advice on complex, sensitive or emerging issues.
• Demonstrated success in areas such as advocacy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, public policy development and strategic communications.
• Proven ability to lead strategic projects and initiatives, managing competing priorities while delivering outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including advanced skills in the preparation of policies, briefings, Council reports, correspondence and executive-level advice.
• The judgement to determine work priorities and be comfortable working autonomously.
• A collaborative leadership style that reflects Surf Coast Shire's leadership capabilities of working together, thinking big picture, connecting with community, being courageous, getting stuff done, and leading for wellness.

Key selection criteriaMandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Politics, Policy, Strategy, Strategic Communications and/or significant professional experience in Government Relations, Corporate Affairs or similar in a comparable organisation (Qualification check conducted).
• Significant demonstrated experience in developing strategic relationships and influencing skills with policymakers, Councillors, Government Ministers and MPs.
• Strong analytical and research abilities to advise on and influence government policy and priorities and develop and lead organisational priorities.
• Demonstrated political acumen with experience in advocating for policy and funding initiatives.
• Demonstrated skills in policy and strategy development, budget development, financial and resource management, and complex reporting in accordance with strategic goals and KPIs.
• Demonstrated people management skills to support, influence (often without line management authority) and foster a productive, high performing organisational culture.
• Well-developed problem-solving strategies
• Accomplished negotiation, writing, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Proven local government experience in a senior management role with similar responsibilities.
• Sound understanding of social, political and legal frameworks within which local government operates.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What you’ll love working with us

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options,
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking

For more information

You’ll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website – [Position Description PDF]

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 8 November 2026

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.