Senior Officer Contract - Full Time
About Us
Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market.
Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.
We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.
About the role
Reporting to the Executive Director Community Strengthening, this role provides strong and strategic leadership for the Safe, Active and Connected Communities Department. Overseeing a diverse portfolio—including Emergency Management, Sport and Recreation, Community Partnerships, Volunteers, and Community Safety—you will foster positive relationships with community stakeholders and government bodies to strengthen engagement and communication. With a clear focus on financial accountability and customer service excellence, you will drive a safety-first culture while leading strategic and business planning, optimising resources, and managing projects and contracts. Key initiatives under your leadership will include major projects such as the Dandenong Wellness Centre, the “Make Your Move” strategy, and other collaborative community-based programs. This is a unique opportunity to inspire excellence through partnerships and collaboration across Council and the wider community to achieve shared goals and outcomes.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring extensive experience in senior leadership within large, complex community or service delivery environments. You will have a proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans, translating vision into clear, actionable outcomes. Your strong relationship management skills enable you to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government departments, local communities, businesses, and other authorities. You are confident in navigating complex social, ethical, political, and economic landscapes with sensitivity, insight, and sound commercial judgment. In addition, you possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor your approach to suit diverse audiences.
Benefits of working with us
Council believes in providing an environment where staff thrive, both in the work they do and in how they learn and develop as people and professionals.
Our workplace has an inclusive and diverse culture which encourages innovation and supports your work and life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.
Our benefits include
• Competitive salary
• Salary sacrifice childcare (where available)
• Flexible working options supported including hybrid work
• Access to learning & development programs including study assistance
• Reward & recognition programs
• Health initiatives
• Access to our support and wellbeing programs
• A vibrant social club
For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us
Council will consider flexible working arrangements for all positions. We embrace our diverse community and encourage applications from everyone including people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background, people of diverse sexual orientation and gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of varied age, ability, and faith. Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.
Council is commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.
To apply
To view the Success Profile (position description) for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/5anxyyj9
To apply, please click on the link below and upload your CV and cover letter.
For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Vanessa Huxley on 0417 708 112 or Steph Davidson on 0422 046 571.
Manager Safe, Active and Connected Communities job in Government & Defence in Dandenong
