Senior City Strategist

City of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 91,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Wellbeing programs

Discounts and rewards

Hybrid work options

Career growth

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking a Senior City Strategist to lead high‑impact strategic initiatives that shape the city’s long‑term growth, liveability and prosperity. You’ll turn complex challenges into clear, evidence‑based strategies that guide Melbourne’s future.

Working across policy, planning and city‑shaping projects, you’ll collaborate with Council and community stakeholders to deliver integrated, future‑focused solutions that reflect Melbourne’s priorities.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in urban planning, geography, economics, public policy or related.
• Experience supporting or contributing to strategy or complex analysis work.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and translate into insights.
• Understanding of urban systems and city planning principles.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage work priorities and contribute to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects to shape Melbourne’s future and deliver high-quality strategy outcomes.
• Develop evidence-based strategies by researching and analysing policy and city issues, translating insights into practical outcomes.
• Partner with teams across Council to develop aligned strategies, frameworks and plans.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to inform decision-making.
• Drive high-quality outcomes through effective project coordination and integration of diverse perspectives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification (urban planning, geography, economics, public policy)

Job description

• Turn complex city challenges into clear, integrated strategies for Melbourne’s future
• $101,498 + 12% Super

Join us in shaping Melbourne's future

The City Strategy and Urban Planning Branch is a team of 38 people that provide the long-term strategic direction that shapes the City of Melbourne’s future. Through research, foresight and strategic urban planning, the branch guides sustainable growth, manages city change and helps deliver the City of Melbourne’s long-term vision.

As part of our new operating model, we are building a team of talented professionals who are passionate about city shaping, evidence‑based decision making and creating positive outcomes for City of Melbourne's communities.

About the Role

As a Senior City Strategist, you’ll lead and contribute to high‑impact strategic initiatives that influence the city’s long‑term growth, liveability and prosperity. Working across a broad range of policy, planning and city‑shaping projects, you’ll turn complex challenges into clear, evidence‑based strategies that drive meaningful outcomes. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders across Council and the community, you’ll help deliver integrated, future‑focused solutions that reflect Melbourne’s economic, social, environmental, cultural and community priorities.

A Little More About the Role

• Lead strategic projects and initiatives that help shape Melbourne’s future, delivering high‑quality strategy outcomes that support the City’s long‑term vision and organisational priorities.
• Develop evidence‑based strategies and recommendations by researching and analysing complex policy, planning and emerging city issues, translating insights into clear and practical outcomes.
• Partner with teams across Council to develop aligned strategies, frameworks and plans that support a coordinated and consistent approach to city strategy.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, facilitating engagement, gathering diverse perspectives and helping shape informed decision‑making.
• Drive high‑quality strategic outcomes through effective project coordination, clear communication, continuous improvement and the integration of economic, social, environmental, cultural and First Nations perspectives.

To view full position description, please see attached document on job application page in “Position Information”.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification in urban planning, geography, economics, public policy or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience supporting or contributing to strategy, policy or complex analysis work
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and planning issues and translate them into clear, evidence‑based insights, recommendations and high-quality written outputs.
• Sound understanding of urban systems and city planning principles
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work successfully across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage work priorities and contribute to project delivery

About City of Melbourne

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi‑wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose‑driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward‑thinking team.

What we can offer you at City of Melbourne

• Industry‑leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender‑neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.
• A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
• Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
• Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city‑shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
• Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time‑in‑lieu options, and part‑time or job‑share opportunities to support a healthy work‑life balance.

Need more info?

For further information about the position please refer to the position description below or email *******@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.

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