Community Development Advisor

Palmerston North City Council; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 84,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Palmerston North is seeking a Community Development Advisor to foster partnerships and enhance community wellbeing. The role requires strong project management and communication skills, with a focus on community-led initiatives. Competitive salary and generous benefits including five weeks of annual leave and supportive work environment offered.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave

Paid parental leave

Study leave and professional memberships support

Qualifications

• Proven experience working alongside communities in a development or advisory capacity.
• Knowledge of community-led development principles.
• Confidence working with diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Identify community needs and support initiatives.
• Facilitate training and partnerships.
• Build relationships with community groups.

Skills

Community engagement

Project management

Relationship building

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Tertiary qualification in community development or related field

Job description

Why join us?

• Make a Difference: Contribute to the development of Palmerston North City while enjoying a fulfilling career that positively impacts our community
• Professional Growth: Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.
• Benefits: We do more than just pay you a salary too. We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave and hybrid working.

About the role

As a Community Development Advisor, you’ll work alongside a diverse range of groups, organisations, and neighbourhoods to identify opportunities, build partnerships, and facilitate community-led initiatives that meet local needs.

We are looking for a Community Development Advisor with a passion for community-led development to join our team. As a member of the Community Development team, you will work with various communities of Palmerston North to build capacity and capability, enable better community connectedness, and enhance community wellbeing.

Each Advisor within our Community Development team is responsible for one or more portfolios of work associated with a specific community, sector, or kaupapa.

In this role, you will work with the Pasifika communities of Palmerston North, as well as community groups working towards environmental wellbeing outcomes. You’ll also work collaboratively with others across the Community Development team to advance shared outcomes.

This is your opportunity to work in a values-driven team where relationships, equity, and wellbeing sit at the heart of everything we do.

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday however some evening and weekend work will be required due to community availability.

Your focus in this role will include:

• Identify community needs and opportunities and support initiatives to strengthen connectedness, resilience, and capability.
• Facilitate resources, training, and partnerships that empower communities to lead solutions.
• Build and manage relationships with community groups to support local planning and collaboration.
• Provide clear advice and guidance on accessing Council services and opportunities for community collaboration.
• Capture, analyse, and present community information to inform elected members and Council planning.
• Evaluate community-led programmes, funding agreements, and facilities to ensure accountability and positive outcomes.

About you

You’ll be a relationship-builder, problem-solver, and strategic thinker with a strong commitment to community-led development.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Proven experience working alongside communities in a development or advisory capacity.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. community development, social policy, social work, planning, Māori or Pasifika development, public health).
• Knowledge of community-led development principles, and experience applying these within complex community dynamics.
• Confidence working with people from diverse backgrounds and the ability to apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your mahi.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Contract management experience, preferably in a community funding context, including a sound understanding of monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong facilitation, planning, and project management capabilities.
• High levels of initiative, empathy, and resilience.

About us

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments! We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary between $84,515 and $99,429, plus a 3% Kiwisaver employer contribution (where eligible)
• 5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
• Long service leave after qualifying periods
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Supportive work environment that values work-life balance
• Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
• Onsite café, staff gym and wellness space
• Study leave, professional memberships, and fees support
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Wednesday 8 October 2025

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.