Senior Community Planner

City of Coffs Harbour; Coffs Harbour City Council; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Coffs Harbour is seeking a senior planner to lead the development of evidence-based strategies, policies and planning frameworks, focused on strengthening communities and informing council decisions.

You will conduct social research, identify emerging issues, analyse complex information, and translate insights into practical policy recommendations, working with internal teams, government agencies and community partners to address social challenges.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to translate social data into policy guidance.
• Experience in strategic planning, policy development or social planning.
• Ability to identify issues and develop actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• You will lead evidence-based strategies and planning frameworks.
• You'll undertake social research and transform insights into policy.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to drive coordinated responses.
• This role focuses on strategy, policy and direction, not frontline delivery.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Policy development

Social research

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in social sciences/planning/public policy

Job description

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.

Key responsibilities

• You will lead the development of evidence-based strategies, policies and planning frameworks that strengthen communities and support informed decision-making across the organisation.
• 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.

What you need

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