Senior Manager - Community Impact & Innovation

Description:

Senior Manager - Community Impact & Innovation
Sutherland Shire is a unique part of greater Sydney – iconic beaches, stunning coastline, vibrant town centres, and incredible national parks, all just 26 km from the CBD. We’re home to a thriving and connected community of over 230,000 people, who celebrate culture and diversity, and value our incredible open spaces and active lifestyles.
Join our Community Directorate as Senior Manager - Community Impact & Innovation, driving transformative strategies that empower communities, foster resilience, and create lasting, positive change across our region.
Lead with purpose – shape vital community services and make a real impact across the Sutherland Shire.
Drive innovation – oversee diverse portfolios as senior leader and deliver bold, people-first solutions.
Inspire excellence – lead a high-performing team in a collaborative, future-focused Council.
Discover Your Future with Sutherland Shire Council
At Sutherland Shire Council, we are passionate about creating vibrant communities and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Our commitment to community well-being and innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Join us, and be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and community impact.
We offer an engaging work environment that fosters professional growth and encourages innovative thinking. As a leader in local government, we are dedicated to providing exceptional services and driving positive change.
Your Role in Community Impact
As Senior Manager, you will oversee a dynamic portfolio of community-focused operational and strategic business units – from community development, economic growth to social infrastructure, community and ocean safety, and events. You’ll lead with a people-first mindset, bringing your proven experience in managing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams to foster innovation across varied service areas. You’ll ensure these services not only meet legislative and compliance obligations, but also deliver cutting-edge, high-impact solutions that respond to the evolving needs of our community. This leadership role is pivotal in shaping and influencing policies that enhance community well-being, innovation, and resilience, ensuring alignment with Council’s long-term vision and strategic objectives.
Your Ideal Profile
We are seeking an experienced leader with a passion for community development and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess:
Tertiary qualifications in social policy, social science, business, or a related field.
A proven track record in senior leadership roles, overseeing varied and diverse teams, driving strategy and sector-wide impact.
Exceptional strategic thinking, negotiation, influence, and advocacy skills.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
Expertise in financial and budget management, ensuring effective resource allocation.
High-level communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to manage high-risk, safety-critical environments with sound judgment, agility, and composure — including the capacity to adapt quickly, make informed decisions under pressure, and lead teams through complex and sensitive situations
Your ability to translate data and community insight into forward-thinking strategies will be key to your success.
Create meaningful change in a role that matters. If you’re a visionary leader with a passion for community impact, we want to hear from you.
How to apply
Review our Candidate Information Pack and Position Description. Your application will need to include a:
cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and addressing the key selection criteria (no longer than 2 pages)
current and detailed resume.
For a confidential discussion please contact Lucille Kilshaw, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, lkilshaw@ssc.nsw.gov.au .
Applications close 11:59pm Monday 09 June 2025
About Us
If you want to make a difference and be part of a challenging and rewarding working environment, then joining us just might be the right career move for you! Join a passionate and dedicated team covering a diversity of services, industries and occupations.
At Sutherland Shire Council we do more than serve our community – we are our community. Our energy can be seen in everything we do. From having a can-do attitude, to embracing change and opportunities, being people-centred and working together as one.