Manager Inclusive Communities

  • 492913
  • Cheltenham, VIC, Australia
  • Community Strengthening & Development
  • Full time
  • Closing on: Sep 5 2025

Download File Job Task Analysis - Manager

  • Work within a values-driven organisation that prioritises wellbeing, public value, and service excellence.
  • Grow and develop in a supportive, future-focused workplace committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Full time Senior Officer position with a competitive executive salary package on offer
  • Location:  Cheltenham

About the team

The Inclusive Communities department is responsible for a range of programs, policies and portfolio areas. They manage a $1.8M community grants program, deliver a suite of wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, programs and events, such as all abilities, community safety and gender equity, as well as running several community centres that provide a range of programs and services.

About this opportunity role

In this pivotal leadership position, you will:

  • Lead, develop, and engage talented teams by fostering accountability, resilience, and innovation.
  • Shape strategy and programs that are evidence-based and aligned with Council’s priorities around inclusion, community wellbeing, and social connection.
  • Champion community development that empowers community led action and builds lasting value.
  • Provide strategic oversight for Council’s community centres, ensuring they meet local community needs and operate effectively and efficiently.  
  • Build strong collaborations, working across Council, with community groups, and external stakeholders to deliver on shared goals.
  • Drive planning and financial performance, ensuring services are sustainable, efficient, and future-focused.

What we’re looking for

We want a leader who brings:

  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams, build capability, and guide through change.
  • Strategic and policy expertise with a track record of developing and implementing frameworks, strategies, and community programs.
  • Strong political and cultural acumen, able to navigate complex issues, build trust, and align diverse groups around common outcomes.
  • Financial management know-how, confident in budgeting, monitoring performance, and ensuring accountability.
  • Emotional intelligence and self-awareness, a collaborative leader who listens, engages, and acts decisively.
  • Extensive leadership experience within local government, the not-for-profit sector, or other complex organisational environments.

Why join us?

This is more than just a leadership role, it’s an opportunity to:

  • Make a real difference in shaping connected, inclusive, and thriving communities.
  • Work within a values-driven organisation that prioritises wellbeing, public value, and service excellence.
  • Take the lead on high-impact projects that deliver meaningful outcomes.
  • Grow and develop in a supportive, future-focused workplace committed to innovation and continuous improvement.

If you’re ready to lead with integrity, collaborate with purpose, and drive positive change, we would love to hear from you.

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate the City of Kingston’s values of

We make a difference ǀ We show care and respect ǀ We take pride in our work ǀ We are better together

Don’t meet every single requirement for this role? At Kingston Council, we recognise that different experiences make for great community outcomes. If you are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly align to the criteria we encourage you to submit your application.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and how it relates to the role. To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button.

All applications must be submitted online through our careers portal.  Please note that we do not accept applications or inquiries from recruitment agencies

We look forward to hearing from you! 

For any inquiries about the position, please contact Kate Waters, General Manager Community Strengthening at kate.waters@kingston.vic.gov.au

To be considered for this role, applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

For any reasonable adjustments or access needs during the application or interview process, please contact the Hiring Manager or email us at peopleandculture@kingston.vic.gov.au

About Kingston 

Kingston Council’s collective focus is on delivering exceptional service that achieves our vision and meets community expectations.

We are an inclusive, resilient community with a thriving economy, where we all share a safe, sustainable environment. The City of Kingston is south-east of Melbourne and is approximately 20km from Melbourne's CBD. We employ over 1,600 people in a diverse range of roles including engineering, customer service, administration, finance, family, youth and children's services, sport and recreation, health, parks and gardens, planning, arts and management.

Why you’ll love working for us?

At Kingston Council, we believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds. Here are some reasons why you might love working with us: 

  • Hybrid work options – average 2 days working from home (or pro rata)
  • Flexible Work Options, including remote and work flexible work hours
  • Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs
  • Access to accrued day off every four weeks (Full time employees only)
  • Salary Packaging
  • Purchase leave options
  • Career development opportunities,
  • Study/development assistance
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • 16 weeks paid parental leave for both primary and partner carers
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Social club events
  • Close to Public transport
  • Free Onsite parking

For further information visit our website Join our team - City of Kingston

Kingston City Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to reconciliation and being a child safe organisation.

We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages.

Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We support adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. 

Apply now

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