Band 7 - $112,119 - $125,458 per annum (plus super)
Temporary Full Time (12 months)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
The Creative and Engaged City department is seeking a highly skilled professional to lead the Cultural and Community Development team.
The successful applicant will plan, develop and deliver high-quality, strategic, and audience-focused creative, Cultural and Community programs across Greater Dandenong. This role will foster creativity, collaboration, and community engagement while contributing to economic growth and a thriving local arts and cultural sector. Key responsibilities include:
· Deliver and support creative, cultural, and community programs across Council facilities, including the Drum theatre and Community Hubs.
· Develop partnerships with local artists, cultural organisations, educational institutions, and community groups.
· Develop and implement audience development strategies and strengthen engagement across all Council’s cultural and community hubs.
· Support the networking and development in the creative sector.
· Identify and secure opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and collaborations.
· Provide leadership and support to the Cultural and Community Development team.
· Assist in setting strategic objectives aligned with Council policies and long-term cultural goals.
This is a hybrid role with work‑from‑home options. The primary office location is Council’s Civic Centre, with requirements to work from the Drum Theatre and other cultural venues as operationally required.
Please ensure you address the key selection criteria outlined in the position description as part of your application.
You may be required to undertake practical testing, work preference profiling / psychometric testing, functional capacity assessment (physical) or aptitude testing.
The successful candidate will be asked to produce a clear Working with Children Check and will be asked to consent to a national police check (and where relevant an ‘international criminal history check’), subject to the operation of spent conviction laws. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
· A tertiary qualification in arts and culture or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
· Demonstrated ability to design and implement innovative programming.
· Sound understanding of community development principles, sector development, audience development, and cultural diversity.
· Experience in providing effective leadership and building team capability.
· Strong knowledge of people management practices and budget management principles.
· Excellent stakeholder engagement and networking skills.
The successful candidate will be required to hold a current Working with Children Check, and consent to a national police check. First Aid certification (Level 2) is also required.
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 committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.
If you require any access or reasonable adjustment at any point throughout the recruitment process, then please do let us know by contacting the listed Hiring Manager – your experience truly matters to us.
To Apply
To apply for this position please complete the online application form including:
· A brief cover letter
· Your resume
· Response to key selection criteria
You will be required to answer selection questions as part of the application process. The selection process also includes the requirement for reference checks
Position Description: Team Leader Cultural and Community Development – 377.5 KB
Applications close: 5pm, Thursday, 19 February 2026
Further information: Vera Hu, 8571 5433
