Senior Community Planner

Careers at Council; Coffs Harbour City Council; Hybrid; AUD 102,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

12% superannuation

Brand new office location at YarrilaPl

Generous leave entitlements

Job summary

The City of Coffs Harbour is seeking a Senior Community Planner to lead strategic community planning initiatives and shape the future of the region. You will drive social planning outcomes, analyze trends and develop evidence-based strategies in collaboration with stakeholders.

This permanent full-time role offers flexible working arrangements, a dynamic team, and opportunities to influence long-term community benefits across NSW’s beautiful Coffs Harbour region.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in strategic planning, policy development and social planning.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Excellent written communication and ability to produce high-quality strategies and briefing papers.
• Advanced computer literacy across a range of digital systems and data sources.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic community planning initiatives and policy development.
• Develop evidence-based strategies, policies and planning frameworks for the city.
• Conduct social research, identify emerging issues and translate insights into policy recommendations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Initiative and energy

Multitasking in dynamic environments

Education

Tertiary qualifications in social sciences, community development, planning, public policy or related discipline

Job description

• Lead high-profile community planning strategies and policy initiatives.
• Drive long-term social planning outcomes across the City.
• Join a collaborative, forward-thinking team focused on making a lasting impact.
• Permanent Full-Time position with flexible working arrangements.

About the role

The City of Coffs Harbour is seeking an energetic and highly capable Senior Community Planner to lead strategic community planning initiatives that help shape the future of our region.

Reporting to the Section Leader Local Planning, this role sits at the forefront of the City's response to emerging social trends, community needs and long-term planning priorities. You will lead the development of evidence-based strategies, policies and planning frameworks that strengthen communities and support informed decision-making across the organisation.

This is a role for someone who thrives on analysis, problem-solving and strategic thinking. You'll undertake social research, identify emerging issues, analyse complex information, and transform insights into practical policy recommendations that influence community outcomes. Working closely with internal leaders, government agencies, community organisations and key stakeholders, you'll help drive coordinated responses to some of our most significant social challenges.

Importantly, this role focuses on developing strategy, policy and direction rather than delivering frontline programs or services. Your success will come from your ability to think broadly, connect ideas, influence stakeholders and develop innovative planning solutions that create long-term benefits for our community.

Please refer to the Position Description for a more detailed understanding of the role.

About you

You're a strategic thinker who enjoys tackling complex challenges and turning ideas into actionable plans. You bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in social sciences, community development, planning, public policy or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in strategic planning, policy development, social planning, research or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Exceptional written communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality strategies, policies, reports and briefing papers.
• Advanced computer literacy and confidence working across a range of digital systems, research tools and data sources.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A high level of initiative, energy and self-motivation.
• The ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.

You'll stand out if you have:

• Experience leading complex strategic planning projects.
• Knowledge of collective impact, systems thinking or social policy frameworks.
• Local Government experience.
• A passion for identifying opportunities and driving positive community change through strategic action.

What’s on offer?

• Competitive Salary (from $102k – $109k) depending on your capabilities and experience + 12% superannuation
• Permanent Full-Time 35 hours per week
• Brand new office location at Yarrila Place!
• Flex time, flexible work arrangements and generous leave entitlements!
• Numerous benefits as outlined here!

About us

The City of Coffs Harbour strives to ensure the community and visitors can enjoy and grow the City’s opportunities. We empower our people to innovate and work collaboratively with accountability and respect at the core of our approach. This is an excellent opportunity to be a part of a dynamic organisation and a thriving community in one of NSW's most beautiful regions.Check out the benefits ofliving on theCoffs Coast

Hear from our General Manager, Murray "Muz" Wood, on why a career at the City may be right for you!

Thinking about relocating to regional NSW? The Welcome Experience is a free service designed to help you settle in, providing personalised support and connecting you with local communities, essential services, and lifestyle opportunities.

The City of Coffs Harbour is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace based on the principles of employment equity and diversity. We actively encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran or disability status.