Community Programmes Lead

Whakatane District Council; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra week's annual leave

Job summary

Whakatane District Council is seeking a Community Programmes Lead to develop and deliver innovative library programmes, events and community engagement initiatives, with a strong focus on children, young people and families. You will collaborate with schools, iwi, and community organisations to create inclusive, engaging experiences that promote literacy and lifelong learning.

The role involves partnering with colleagues and volunteers to deliver programs, manage multiple projects, and ensure

Qualifications

• Experience delivering school holiday programmes, youth activities or community initiatives.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to turn ideas into engaging library programmes for children, families and the wider community.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and applying them in community services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver innovative library programmes, events and community engagement initiatives.
• Work across library and community to build relationships with schools, iwi, and community organisations.
• Champion library collections, resources and services to broaden access and participation.
• Coordinate activities, events and learning opportunities to foster literacy and lifelong learning.
• Evaluate programmes using feedback and data to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Customer service

Programme planning

Community engagement

Public speaking

Relationship building

Multistakeholder coordination

Literacy promotion

Te Tiriti knowledge

Job description

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Whakatane District Council – Whakatane, North Island

• Help people build confidence, skills and independence in an increasingly digital world
• Combine great customer service with technology, learning and community impact
• Be part of a team creating innovative and inclusive library experiences

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? In return, you'll get access to a range of staff benefits including an extra week's annual leave. You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

As our Community Programmes Lead, you'll play a key role in developing and delivering innovative library programmes, events and community engagement initiatives, with a strong focus on children, young people and families. From school holiday programmes and summer reading initiatives to youth activities, outreach programmes and community events, you'll create opportunities that foster literacy, lifelong learning, creativity, wellbeing and connection across our district.

Working across the library and community, you'll build strong relationships with schools, early learning providers, iwi, community organisations, whānau and other stakeholders to ensure programmes are inclusive, engaging and responsive to local needs. You'll also champion library collections, resources and services, helping more people discover, connect with and benefit from everything the library has to offer.

This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same. You'll work closely with colleagues, volunteers and community partners to deliver meaningful experiences that inspire learning, strengthen community connections and ensure our libraries remain welcoming places where people of all ages can learn, create and thrive.

Ko wai koe | About you

You're an enthusiastic and creative people-person who enjoys working with children, young people and families. You are passionate about literacy, learning and community connection, and have the ability to turn ideas into engaging programmes that make a real difference.

You'll bring:

• Outstanding customer service skills and a genuine passion for supporting children, young people, families and the wider community.
• Experience planning, coordinating or delivering programmes, events, learning opportunities or community initiatives.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with schools, early learning providers, community organisations, iwi, volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Confidence facilitating activities, presenting to groups and creating welcoming and engaging experiences for participants of all ages.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Experience using feedback, participation data and community insights to inform programme development and continuous improvement.
• An understanding of, or willingness to develop knowledge of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and their application in community-focused services.

Experience in libraries, education, early childhood, youth development, community development, event coordination or other customer-focused environments would be an advantage, but most importantly we're looking for someone who is creative, organised, community-minded and committed to helping children, young people and families learn, connect and thrive.

• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata