About the organisation
At Penrith City Council, we’re passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life, so we’re here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and a finalist in the 2020 Australian HR Awards, you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits, including:
- A range of flexible work arrangements
- 18 weeks paid maternity leave
- Health and wellbeing leave
- 15 days personal leave
- Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
- Diverse salary packaging
- And much, much more!
About the Department
City Activation, Community and Place (CACP) is a newly formed department that supports a vibrant and inclusive City with thriving, resilient communities.
A multidisciplinary team, with a wide range of strengths, we work collaboratively to deliver outcomes from community-based events, flagship festivals, place making and arts initiatives, sector capacity building, safer communities as well as evidence-based policy with a focus on delivering measurable impact.
The CACP Department sits in our City Futures Division – we work innovatively with our community to drive positive outcomes that shape the future of our City. You will join a passionate, outcomes-driven team focused on supporting a thriving City for all.
About the Social Strategy Team
The Social Strategy team works alongside others in the Department, Council, other levels of government and the community to respond to challenging community issues as well as exploring exciting social and cultural opportunities for the City. In this team you will work with a range of professionals at Council as well as partners in the local cultural and community sectors.
Through researching, engaging, analysing and using evidence-based approaches, we develop and deliver policies and strategies to support Council in effective decision making. Our work guides the way Council teams implement projects and activities that have measurable positive outcomes for residents, workers and visitors.
As part of the Social Strategy team, we support each other to innovate and grow in our work.
About the Role
In the role of Senior Cultural Strategy Officer, you will lead the City’s commitment to building resilient and inclusive communities by developing strategies that support and guide:
- Place activation, programs and events,
- Arts and cultural infrastructure, and
- Development of the local arts and cultural sectors.
Current work priorities include the development of the Cultural Action Plan for the City. Using your skills in researching and engaging, as well as your industry knowledge, you will shape and deliver measurable and evidence-based policy and actions to support a strong cultural sector and a vibrant city
In this position, you will provide strategic advice and recommendations to Council on emerging issues, funding opportunities and government initiatives.
Essential Criteria:
- Tertiary qualifications with a focus on Cultural Development, Arts Development or related field backed by training and exposure to contemporary practice.
- Demonstrated strong engagement and collaboration skills with a range of stakeholders with a focus on achieving mutual outcomes.
- Demonstrated success in the design, delivering and measurement of arts and cultural programs and activities.
- Demonstrated capacity to manage and deliver projects according to agreed timeframes and within budget.
- Demonstrated experience in researching, analysing and interpreting data and presenting clear and concise reports that can be used for policy and planning purposes.
Desirable Criteria:
- Qualification/s in Engagement, such as IAP2 certificate in Public Participation or similar.
- Experience in working in a government context.
Commencing Salary: $100,282.00 - $116,080.00 per annum, plus 9.5% Superannuation
You may be required to undertake background checks, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.
Visit careers.penrith.city to view the position description, find out more information about employment with Penrith City Council and submit your application.
In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the Essential and Desirable selection criteria (listed above) as a part of their initial application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.
Completed applications must be received by 11.55pm on the closing date. Please allow 4 weeks from the closing date for the processing of your application.
For further information about the position, please contact Melissa Stewart McSeveny, Social Strategy Coordinator, on 4732 7943.
Council practices EEO and WHS principles.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.
Penrith City Council is committed to ensuring the safety of our people and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of our employees are currently working remotely or in a way that is different to normal, which may impact our recruitment processes including time to respond to applicants and conducting online interviews instead of in-person. Some roles may also require temporary remote working arrangements; if applicable, this will be discussed with you at the time of interview.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.