Temporary Full-Time position (18 May until 13 November).

Secondment opportunities welcomed for both internal and external candidates.

We are currently seeking an experienced people leader to undertake the Manager Community Programs position as a 6‑month long service leave backfill within the Communities Directorate. This senior leadership role is essential to maintaining the delivery of high‑quality, customer‑focused community services that support residents across all life stages.

Reporting to the Director Communities, the Manager will provide strategic leadership across the Community Programs Department, contributing to the development and implementation of organisational strategy, policy and planning in alignment with Council priorities. The role will also oversee the management and performance of five specialised units responsible for delivering a broad range of community programs and services, including:

• Maternal and Child Health Services and Childhood Immunisation Program Contract
• Disability Inclusion and Volunteering
• Ageing Well
• Early Years
• Child Safety and Wellbeing

Key responsibilities

• Lead a high‑performing team of Coordinators delivering diverse community programs across early years, ageing well, disability inclusion, child safety, and maternal and child health.
• Ensure excellence in customer‑focused, high‑quality service delivery aligned with community needs and Council priorities.
• Build organisational capability to meet future community demand, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Monitor emerging policy, legislative and community trends to inform strategic planning and service design.
• Oversee key cross‑organisational responsibilities, including acting as Municipal Recovery Manager and Child Safety Officer.

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrated diverse leadership experience in the field of Community Programs (which could include Early Years, Aged Services, Inclusion, Health and Well Being, and Community Capacity Building).
• Established understanding of Government funding models and programs.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying community needs and expectations, deciding the most appropriate action, and responding accordingly whilst effectively managing community expectations.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships.
• Extensive experience managing operational and project budgets.
• Experience in strategy and policy development and implementation and planning for programs and service delivery.

Why should you join us?

Guided by the Community Vision - Nillumbik 2040, we work to foster an engaged, connected and sustainable community across four key themes: Our People, Our Place, Our Future and Our Council.

The way we work together and deliver services to the Nillumbik community is underpinned by a strong, shared culture that reflects our vision and values.

Our Customer Service team has been ranked #1 in the Local Government sector for the past four years and has held the #1 position across all sectors for the last year and a half.

This achievement reflects our Customer First Commitments, which guide how we deliver exceptional experiences for both our internal and external customers:

• Empathy - We listen, understand, and respect our customers
• Consistency - We provide accurate, timely, and transparent information
• Effectiveness - We focus on quality processes and meaningful outcomes
• Simplicity - Our processes, documentation, and information are easy to access and understand.

In 2023, we proudly secured sixth place in the prestigious AFR BOSS Best Places to Work List in the Government, Education, and Not-for-Profit category. Even more exciting, we were the ONLY local government organisation to be recognised among 700 organisations across Australia and New Zealand.

Our commitment to staff health and wellbeing is central to our culture. We provide initiatives to support employee wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth, including a trained Mental Health First Aider workforce across the organisation.

Be part of a passionate, collaborative, and driven team who truly care about what we do, how we do it, and the positive impact we make in the community.

How to Apply:

• To discover more about the role and responsibilities of this position, download and review the Position Description
• Attach your Resume and Cover Letter to your application and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer the Key Selection Criteria questions
• If you require reasonable adjustment at any point throughout the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting the listed Hiring Manager.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity or have any questions, please contact Narelle Hart, Manager Community Programs on 0419 002 *** or ************@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

Applications close: 10pm (AETD), Thursday, 2 April 2026

Nillumbik Shire Council is committed to creating a fair, equitable and inclusive community. We value diversity in our community and support the rights of all people regardless of age, gender, ability or background. Apply now!