Manager, Library & Community Services

Strathfield Council; Strathfield; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle allowance

10 extra days of special leave

Learning & development opportunities

Employee assistance program

Fitness & wellbeing programs

Staff engagement events

Job summary

Strathfield Council seeks an experienced and strategic Manager, Library & Community Services to provide leadership across library, community development and cultural services. Reporting to the Director, Corporate & Community, you will lead a multidisciplinary team and oversee the delivery of a diverse portfolio of services and programs that respond to the needs of our growing community.

You will bring demonstrated management experience, strong financial and operational acumen, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing library, community development and services.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, plan strategically and manage budgets.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Library & Community Services, aligning with council priorities.
• Lead, manage and develop a multidisciplinary team to deliver services.
• Oversee library services, community development, multicultural events and engagement programs.
• Develop and implement strategic/operational plans and policies for service delivery.
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing and resources with financial oversight.
• Lead service improvement initiatives and drive innovation and efficiency.
• Build relationships with senior management, agencies and community organisations.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, governance, procurement and WHS standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Change management

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Team development

Project management

Education

Tertiary qualifications in library services, community development or related field

Job description

Directorate: Corporate & Community

Team: Library & Community Services

Employment Status: Temporary, full-time up to 12 months

Employment Arrangement: 35 hours per week

Position Number: POS 306

About Strathfield Council

Strathfield Council is a dynamic, medium-sized Council located in Sydney's Inner West. Covering an area of approximately 14 square kilometres, we proudly serve a vibrant and growing community of around 46,000 residents, with population projections set to exceed 60,000 by 2041. We are committed to delivering high-quality services, driving community initiatives, and building a thriving, sustainable future for our residents.

The Opportunity

Strathfield Council is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, Library & Community Services to provide leadership and direction across Council's library, community development and cultural services. Reporting to the Director, Corporate & Community, you will lead a multidisciplinary team and oversee the delivery of a diverse portfolio of services and programs that respond to the needs of our growing and diverse community. You will bring demonstrated management experience, strong financial and operational acumen, and the ability to lead organisational change, drive service improvements and build effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

This is an opportunity for an established leader to shape the future of Council's library and community services, ensuring they remain accessible, innovative, sustainable and aligned with Council's strategic priorities.

You will lead with professionalism and integrity while actively promoting and living our PROUD Values - People First, Respect, Opportunity, Unity, and Dedication, contributing to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant including a vehicle allowance. This will include access to a Manager Agreement that includes 10 additional days of special leave.

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide strategic leadership across Library & Community Services, ensuring services and programs align with Council's strategic priorities and respond to community needs
• Lead, manage and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high-performance culture through effective workforce planning, performance management, staff development and continuous improvement
• Oversee the delivery of library services, community development initiatives, multicultural events, community transport and community engagement programs
• Develop and implement strategic and operational plans, policies and procedures to strengthen service delivery, improve accessibility and achieve organisational objectives
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing and resources, monitoring financial and operational performance to ensure efficient and sustainable service delivery
• Lead service improvement and change initiatives, reviewing systems, processes and technologies to enhance efficiency, innovation and customer experience
• Build and maintain effective relationships with senior management, government agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders to support collaboration and positive community outcomes
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Council policies, governance requirements, procurement obligations and work health and safety standards, while identifying and managing operational and service delivery risks.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in relevant areas to be managed
• Current NSW Class C Driver's licence
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership, vision and strategic planning in delivering library, community development and services
• Extensive experience in the provision and facilitation of library and community services at a management level, demonstrating well-developed management skills and ability combined with expertise and experience in change management processes
• Sound knowledge of policies, procedures, practices and current trends relating to library and community services and local government and substantial experience in the development and implementation of policies and strategies
• Advanced interpersonal, communication and customer service skills including the ability to successfully liaise with a wide variety of customers and external groups
• Exceptional oral and written skills, and effective influencing and relationship building skills including mediation, negotiation and networking skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage time, plan, organise and maintain workflow to achieve established goals, objectives and priorities, either individually or as a member of a team
• Well-developed financial management skills and demonstrated experience in managing an operational budget
• Experience in the review and implementation of systems and practices aimed towards providing and fostering an environment of continuous improvement in service delivery.

Desirable

• Relevant post-graduate qualifications in management
• Knowledge of current and future technological developments, including knowledge and experience in social media.

Why Work With Us

At Strathfield Council, you will enjoy a supportive workplace that values balance, growth, and wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Generous learning and development opportunities
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program
• Access to the Fitness Passport Program
• Health & Wellbeing Reimbursement Program
• Regular staff engagement events, including quarterly Roadshow lunches.

Position Description

Click here to review the full position description for this role.

For questions about the role, please contact our People & Culture team at [e-mail]