Manager Community

Benalla Rural City Council is seeking an experienced and capable Manager Community to lead its Community Department, a diverse, community-facing portfolio at the heart of one of regional Victoria's most liveable and welcoming municipalities. Nestled amid rolling countryside, lakes and vineyards just under two hours from Melbourne, Benalla offers a genuinely fantastic lifestyle opportunity, combining a meaningful senior leadership role with the relaxed pace and natural beauty of country Victoria.
Reporting to the General Manager Corporate and leading a team of 20 staff across Maternal and Child Health, Family Services, Community Development, Youth and Recreation, Aged Friendly Benalla and Social Inclusion, this is a genuine generalist leadership role. You will drive the implementation of Council's Community Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, oversee an exciting $15 million multi-sports stadium project taking shape in the community, and provide steady, capable leadership to a group of switched-on coordinators and their teams.
What makes this role stand out

• Lead a passionate, high-functioning team of circa 20 staff delivering Community Development, Youth, Recreation, Maternal and Child Health, Family Services, Aged Friendly Benalla and Social Inclusion programs.
• Shape Benalla's future through the Community Plan, Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, and an exciting new $15m multi-sports stadium.
• Enjoy a fantastic lifestyle opportunity in one of regional Victoria's most beautiful and welcoming rural cities.

About you

• A confident generalist manager and genuine people leader, comfortable managing a broad and varied portfolio.
• A leadership style that addresses performance and conduct issues directly, respectfully and fairly, while supporting staff to grow.
• Well-developed skills in community development, strategic planning, project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience operating at a senior or middle management level, ideally within a rural or regional context.

How to apply
For a confidential discussion or to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact
Nick Kelly at GEM Executive on [0497 476 548](tel:0497 476 548).
Applications, including a cover letter and current resume
Applications close on Friday 2nd October, 2026