Director – Community & Partnerships
- Full time – Contract – Senior Officer
- Attractive executive remuneration package
- Influence community, culture and corporate strategy
Lead community wellbeing, culture, early years services, strategic partnerships and regional investment for one of Victoria’s fastest-growing cities.
This is a rare opportunity to influence key areas of social, cultural and economic wellbeing—including community development, cultural services, child and family services, and investment attraction and advocacy—while driving strategic partnerships and long-term community outcomes.
Why Wodonga?
Nestled on the Murray River and surrounded by natural beauty, Wodonga is a dynamic regional centre with a strong sense of community, affordable living, and a rapidly growing population. Here, you’ll find the balance of meaningful executive leadership and a lifestyle supported by outdoor recreation, quality schools, and easy access to major cities and alpine regions.
Key focus areas:
- Investment, Attraction and Advocacy
Lead strategic economic development initiatives, strengthening Wodonga’s investment pipeline, regional partnerships and advocacy priorities. Drive outcomes that support population growth, industry development and regional prosperity.
- Strategic Community Leadership
Provide visionary leadership across community development, early years and family services, cultural programs, and regional investment. Shape strategies that enhance wellbeing, inclusion, equity and long-term community outcomes.
- Cultural Services and Place Activation
Oversee the development of vibrant cultural facilities, programs and experiences. Drive initiatives that enhance cultural identity, tourism, creativity and connection across the municipality.
- Child and Family Services Leadership
Guide a large, multidisciplinary portfolio covering kindergarten, childcare, MCH, immunisation and family support. Ensure services meet state frameworks, deliver positive outcomes, and remain sustainable and future-focused.
- Governance, Risk and Organisational Performance
Ensure high standards of governance, compliance and enterprise risk management across diverse regulated services. Support strong performance reporting and evidence-based decision-making across the directorate.
- Political Acumen and Stakeholder Engagement
Build trusted relationships with Councillors, government stakeholders, partners, industry and community groups. Navigate complex social and political environments with transparency, diplomacy and influence.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven executive leadership within complex, community-facing or highly regulated environments, ideally local government or public sector.
- Deep understanding of community wellbeing, early years, cultural development or regional economic development.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, drive organisational culture and shape strategic direction.
- Advanced capability in governance, risk management, partnerships and integrated strategic planning.
- High-level political acumen and experience working with elected representatives.
- Strong communication, stakeholder influence and relationship-building skills.
- Tertiary qualifications in Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field (postgraduate or GAICD desirable).
- Minimum 10+ years senior leadership experience.
Why join us?
At Wodonga Council, you will be part of an executive team committed to delivering real, measurable outcomes for the community.
You’ll benefit from:
- Strategic Influence – Lead major community, corporate and organisational functions that shape citywide outcomes.
- Impactful Leadership – Drive transformation, wellbeing, and service excellence for a growing regional community.
- Collaborative Executive Culture – Work alongside a values-driven CEO and Executive Team.
- Wellbeing & Balance – Access Fitness Passport, EAP, and a suite of wellbeing initiatives.
- Liveability & Lifestyle – Enjoy the advantages of regional living while shaping the future of a vibrant city.
To apply, visit Wodonga Council — Careers
Click “Apply” to:
- Submit a brief cover letter
- Upload your current resume
- Upload your responses to the key selection criteria; located in our application pack.
Support on how to complete these tasks can be found here
Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will be required to provide the following.
- A copy of a recent National Police Check (less than 3 months)
- A current driver’s licence
- Any other mandatory requirements outlined in the position description
The completion of a pre-employment psychometric assessment (paid for by the council) may also be required.
If applicable, evidence regarding right to work in Australia will need to be presented.
Enquiries:
Matt Hyde - CEO - 0439 864 947 - [email protected]
Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday 18th January 2026
This position may be filled prior to the closing date if an exceptional applicant is identified.