Community and Economic Development Manager

West Wimmera Shire Council is seeking an experienced and community‑minded leader to drive our community engagement, economic development, tourism and customer service functions.

This is a key leadership role that shapes how Council partners with community groups, local businesses, volunteers and regional stakeholders to strengthen the social and economic wellbeing of our Shire.

You’ll lead a diverse portfolio, champion community activation, and support initiatives that make West Wimmera a vibrant, connected and thriving place to live, work and invest.

In this role, you will:

• Provide structured, impactful leadership, coaching, mentoring and build a culture of high performance across a diverse portfolio of teams.
• Lead Council’s customer service, ensuring high‑quality service delivery and managing escalated issues.
• Drive community development and engagement, including grants, recognition programs, wellbeing initiatives and respectful engagement with Traditional Owners.
• Oversee tourism and events, delivering Council’s Tourism Strategy, supporting volunteers and coordinating events across the Shire.
• Manage Council’s volunteer programs and strengthen community participation.
• Lead economic development, including business engagement, investment attraction, township revitalisation, grant opportunities and regional partnerships.
• Monitor economic trends and provide strategic advice to support Council decision‑making.
• Manage operating and grant budgets within delegated authority.
• Support emergency management recovery operatives as required.
• Apply a gender equality lens to programs and policies in line with the Gender Equality Act 2020.

About you

You are an authentic leader, a confident communicator, relationship‑builder and strategic thinker who thrives in a community‑focused environment.

You enjoy working with diverse stakeholders — from local businesses and community groups to Councillors and regional partners — and you bring a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach to your work.

You’re comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams, managing competing priorities and representing Council in public, business and regional settings.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in community development, business engagement, economic development or equivalent.
• Demonstrated strong ability to lead and manage a diverse team.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and reporting on financial performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant systems.
• Tertiary qualifications in community or economic development (desirable) or equivalent / significant relevant experience.
• A commitment to confidentiality, probity and high professional standards.

 At West Wimmera Shire Council, you’ll be part of a supportive organisation that values collaboration, community and innovation.

You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across our towns and communities, lead important strategic initiatives, and help shape the future of the region.

We offer flexible work locations (Kaniva or Edenhope), opportunities for professional growth, and a role where your leadership directly contributes to stronger, more connected communities.

Applications close August 28

West Wimmera Shire Council is seeking an experienced and community‑minded leader to drive our community engagement, economic development, tourism and customer service functions.

This is a key leadership role that shapes how Council partners with community groups, local businesses, volunteers and regional stakeholders to strengthen the social and economic wellbeing of our Shire.

You’ll lead a diverse portfolio, champion community activation, and support initiatives that make West Wimmera a vibrant, connected and thriving place to live, work and invest.

In this role, you will:

• Provide structured, impactful leadership, coaching, mentoring and build a culture of high performance across a diverse portfolio of teams.
• Lead Council’s customer service, ensuring high‑quality service delivery and managing escalated issues.
• Drive community development and engagement, including grants, recognition programs, wellbeing initiatives and respectful engagement with Traditional Owners.
• Oversee tourism and events, delivering Council’s Tourism Strategy, supporting volunteers and coordinating events across the Shire.
• Manage Council’s volunteer programs and strengthen community participation.
• Lead economic development, including business engagement, investment attraction, township revitalisation, grant opportunities and regional partnerships.
• Monitor economic trends and provide strategic advice to support Council decision‑making.
• Manage operating and grant budgets within delegated authority.
• Support emergency management recovery operatives as required.
• Apply a gender equality lens to programs and policies in line with the Gender Equality Act 2020.

About you

You are an authentic leader, a confident communicator, relationship‑builder and strategic thinker who thrives in a community‑focused environment.

You enjoy working with diverse stakeholders — from local businesses and community groups to Councillors and regional partners — and you bring a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach to your work.

You’re comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams, managing competing priorities and representing Council in public, business and regional settings.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in community development, business engagement, economic development or equivalent.
• Demonstrated strong ability to lead and manage a diverse team.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and reporting on financial performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant systems.
• Tertiary qualifications in community or economic development (desirable) or equivalent / significant relevant experience.
• A commitment to confidentiality, probity and high professional standards.

At West Wimmera Shire Council, you’ll be part of a supportive organisation that values collaboration, community and innovation.

You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across our towns and communities, lead important strategic initiatives, and help shape the future of the region.

We offer flexible work locations (Kaniva or Edenhope), opportunities for professional growth, and a role where your leadership directly contributes to stronger, more connected communities.

Applications close August 28

Applications submitted via seek are not monitored by Council. To apply, please visit http://www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/employment

Interviews may commence as applications are received.

Early applications are encouraged as the role may close once filled.