Social Planner

Careers at Council; Maitland City Council; On-site; AUD 102,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

3 weeks of personal leave

Paid parental leave

Ongoing training and development

Fitness Passport

Healthy Employee Program

Job summary

Maitland City Council is seeking a Social Planner to shape Maitland's community programs, services and infrastructure. You will work across planning, infrastructure and service delivery to translate evidence and community feedback into practical advice for Council.

You will lead policy development, engage diverse stakeholders and provide social impact guidance to support long-term outcomes for a growing community.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in social planning, social sciences, behavioural sciences or related discipline.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to facilitate meaningful community consultation and input.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to social and community infrastructure planning.
• Provide input into development applications and social impact assessments.
• Identify funding opportunities for community projects delivering lasting benefits.
• Work with community groups, government agencies and internal stakeholders to inform decisions.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Community consultation

Education

Tertiary qualifications in social planning/related discipline

Job description

The Opportunity

As a Social Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Maitland's community programs, services and infrastructure. Working collaboratively across Council and with community stakeholders, you will help ensure these continue to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.

In this role, you will develop, implement and review strategies, policies and plans that support Council's long-term strategic vision. You will provide social impact advice to inform planning, infrastructure and service delivery, as well as advice on emerging social policy, demographic trends and community development opportunities.

You will lead and contribute to social and community infrastructure planning and initiatives, provide input into development applications, undertake social impact assessments, and identify funding opportunities for projects that deliver lasting community benefits.

Through evidence-based planning and strong partnerships with community groups, government agencies and internal stakeholders, you will help create an inclusive, connected and resilient Maitland.

This is a strategic social planning role focused on understanding community needs and translating evidence, demographic insights and community feedback into practical advice for Council. The role works across planning, infrastructure and service delivery to help guide decisions and improve long-term community outcomes.

About you

You will hold tertiary qualifications in social planning, social sciences, behavioural sciences or a related discipline.

You will bring contemporary experience in social policy and planning, with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and facilitate meaningful community consultation.

You will also have strong project management skills and the ability to interpret data and evidence to inform planning and decision-making.

Benefits

This is a full-time, permanent role working a 35-hour week, with a base salary range of $102,017 - $113,238 per year + 12% super.

Council also offers a range of other benefits for its employees, including:

• Flexible work arrangements
• 3 weeks of personal leave
• Paid parental leave
• Ongoing training and development
• Fitness Passport
• Healthy Employee Program

NB: This role will be known internally as a Community Planner.

Applications close: Sunday 4th October 2026

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Maitland City Council is dedicated to providing a workplace that is inclusive and supportive and is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We support equal opportunities for all employees, and encourage applications from people from all cultures, nationalities, identities, and abilities. We believe all employees have the right to feel valued, respected and heard. If you have any special considerations or accessibility requirements, please let us know in the recruitment process how we are able to meet your needs.

If you require special assistance, or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact us for a confidential conversation (***********@maitland.nsw.gov.au)