Current vacancies

Manager, Community Activation

Turn ideas into activity. Put people and places at the centre.

Mitchell Shire is entering a defining chapter.

40km north of Melbourne, our Shire spans Beveridge, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour. We’re a key growth corridor — balancing rapid residential expansion with the country character and community values that make Mitchell, Mitchell. With strong growth ahead, every one of our 40+ townships has a role to play.

We’re setting the organisation up for what’s next.

A refreshed structure, clearer accountability, and faster decisions. This role — Manager, Community Activation — brings together Libraries, Leisure, and Community Development to deliver coordinated programs, partnerships, and facilities that strengthen wellbeing, participation, inclusion, and connectedness — in the heart of Victoria.

About the role

The Manager, Community Activation provides strategic and operational leadership across Libraries, Leisure, and Community Development. Reporting to the Director, Partnerships, Economy and Communities and working with the Senior Management Team, you’ll lead teams to deliver high-quality, accessible and innovative services — creating opportunities for lifelong learning, active lifestyles, cultural enrichment and stronger community capacity.

Your focus is simple: make it easier for people to participate, belong, and lead — in their street, their township and across the Shire.

You’ll deliver:

• Clear direction and plans for Libraries, Leisure, and Community Development — annual business plans, service standards and a program of continuous improvement aligned to community priorities.
• High-quality programs, events, and initiatives across libraries, leisure, and community development that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• A strong customer focus embedded in everyday service delivery and at our facilities.
• Constructive partnerships and engagement with community groups, peak bodies, government agencies, and partner organisations to strengthen outcomes.
• Participation and local capacity-building through collaborative approaches and targeted initiatives.
• Safe, well-run operations — sound planning, risk, and contractor management, with clear reporting and governance.
• Prudent stewardship of budgets and assets, ensuring value for money and strong financial sustainability.

Your portfolio covers:

• Libraries — programs, outreach, and welcoming, accessible spaces.
• Leisure — participation, inclusion, and safe operations.
• Community Development — local initiatives, partnerships, and community capacity.

About you

Calm, credible and practical. You set direction, then roll up your sleeves to deliver — modelling our values and building a positive, high-performance culture.

You bring

• Tertiary qualifications in community services, leisure/recreation, library services, social policy or a related field, with substantial leadership experience in a similar portfolio.
• A record of developing and implementing plans, policies, and programs that enhance participation, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Experience leading diverse teams and building a constructive workplace culture.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and partnership skills.
• High-level communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, including presenting to Councillors, executives, and community forums.
• Sound financial, asset, and contract management capability.
• Understanding of the legislation and policy settings relevant to libraries, leisure, and community development.
• A current Victorian driver licence and willingness to undertake a National Police Check, hold a current Victorian Working with Children Check.

Why Mitchell? Why now?

Work where momentum is real and impact is visible — in the heart of Victoria. You’ll help shape planned communities and town centres while preserving what people value about living here. The role has scope to modernise how legal is done in local government and to build a function others will look to.

We offer:

• Meaningful work for a growing community.
• Flexible work options and supportive leaders in a values-led culture.
• Professional development and the chance to shape policy, systems and practice.
• A competitive total remuneration package (from $185k dependant on experience, inclusive of superannuation), and the option of a full private use vehicle.

This is a full time permanent position.

Want More Info?  

• Contact Jo Wilson Director Partnerships, Economy and Communities for a confidential conversation on 03 5735 1563.
• To apply, submit your cover letter and resume addressing the Key Selection Criteria. For information on how to apply, please visit our Careers page.

Mitchell Shire Council is a Child Safe Organisation. The successful applicant 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.

Applications close at 5pm Friday 7 November 2025.