Current vacancies

Director Strategic Partnerships and Communities

Lead growth. Shape place. Strengthen community.

Mitchell Shire is entering a defining chapter.

Just 40km north of Melbourne, our Shire encompasses the growing townships of Beveridge, Broadford, Kilmore, Seymour and Wallan. Recognised as one of Victoria’s key peri-urban growth corridors, we’re balancing rapid residential expansion with the protection of our landscapes, heritage and community values.

We’re not just growing—we’re stepping into our identity as a region that’s connected, confident and ready for the future. We offer the best of both worlds: space to grow, strong community ties and real opportunity. With more than 64,000 residents today and projections exceeding 176,000 by 2041, Mitchell is one of the state’s fastest growing municipalities.

This growth is particularly visible across our southern corridor, but every one of our 40+ townships is playing a role—each contributing its own character, history and aspirations to the region. It’s this unique combination of tradition and progress that defines who we are: a community that’s proud, adaptable and unmistakably Mitchell.

To support this next phase, we’re seeking a strategic, community-minded executive to join our leadership team as Director Strategic Partnerships and Communities.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Executive Leadership Team, this pivotal position leads a diverse portfolio of community-facing services and strategic functions.

You’ll play a central role in shaping how Council partners with communities, government and service providers to deliver outcomes that are not only responsive—but enduring. From policy development and community infrastructure to advocacy, customer experience and disaster recovery, your leadership will help define what growth means in Mitchell.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading service innovation, policy development and cross-sector collaboration
• Championing a customer-focused, future-ready service model
• Shaping strategy to secure funding, drive reform, and contribute to policy direction
• Strengthening internal capability and a high-performing, accountable culture
• Embedding long-term thinking across programs that impact people and place

Your portfolio includes leadership of:

Life Stages
Maternal & Child Health, Early Years, Youth Development, Community Strengthening

Community & Planning Delivery
Leisure Services, Social Planning, Recreation Strategy, Public Open Space

Customer Experience & Engagement
Customer Service, Libraries, Strategic Communications and Community Engagement

Community Amenity
Local Laws, Traffic and Animal Management, Emergency and Fire Management

Community Recovery
Disaster preparedness, response leadership and community resilience

This role demands strategic oversight, cross-sector leadership and an ability to deliver on-the-ground results in a complex and fast-changing landscape.

About you

You’re an experienced executive with a passion for public leadership and a deep understanding of community, equity and service excellence.

You bring to this role:

• A record of leading diverse teams and service portfolios in local government or related sectors
• Strong financial, governance and policy acumen, with the ability to lead transformational change
• Strategic thinking with a track record of aligning services to long-term community needs
• Excellent communication, advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative leadership style grounded in values, outcomes and relationships

You thrive in dynamic environments, can navigate complexity and ambiguity with confidence, and are committed to building services that are fit for the future.

Why Mitchell? Why now?

Mitchell Shire is a place of momentum—where long-time locals and new arrivals alike share a belief in what’s possible. From bustling growth corridors to quiet country towns, we’re building a region with purpose.

5-year full-time executive contract

An attractive remuneration package is on offer for the role, based on experience.

Flexible working arrangements and relocation support considered

A genuine opportunity to shape the long-term future of a rapidly growing region

How to apply

For a confidential conversation, contact Ana Fraser, Acting Manager People and Culture on (03) 5734 6200.

All applications must address the Key Selection Criteria in the position description. For information on how to apply, please visit our Careers page.

Applications close at 5pm, Monday 12 May 2025.
The successful candidate will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to commencement. Mitchell Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace.