Vacancy Details

Coordinator Community Strengthening

  • Salary Range Band 8 $134,011 - $150,181 plus 12%Super 
  • Full-time, permanent position to lead community recovery, housing, homelessness, safety, and food security initiatives across Council.
  • Located at St Kilda Town Hall with flexible working arrangements possible 

About the Organisation 

The City of Port Phillip is an inner-city council with around 1000 employees who deliver more than 100 programs and services to our residents, businesses and visitors. These range from childcare and immunisations, to libraries, management of parks and open space, rubbish collection, road maintenance and more. City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia's most progressive local government social policy portfolios. As home to one of Victoria's largest concentrations of homelessness services and a community deeply affected by housing affordability pressures, the City of Port Phillip has made addressing homelessness and social disadvantage a strategic priority.

The City of Port Phillip was the first local government in Australia to adopt the Advance to Zero approach to ending rough sleeping and continues to invest significantly in homelessness responses, affordable housing advocacy, community recovery and social inclusion initiatives. This role sits at the centre of that work, leading innovative, place-based responses to some of the most complex social challenges facing our community while influencing broader systems change and improving outcomes for vulnerable residents.

As Coordinator Community Strengthening, you'll lead a team delivering some of Council's most important and rewarding community-focused work across housing and homelessness, community safety, food security and community recovery. You'll help shape policy, influence systems, build partnerships and drive initiatives that deliver lasting change for the Port Phillip community.

This role is ideal for someone who combines big-picture thinking with strong delivery capability. You'll be comfortable navigating complexity, identifying emerging opportunities, and turning strategic priorities into practical, measurable outcomes. Whether leading major projects, advocating for systemic change, or supporting your team to deliver results, you'll bring energy, initiative and a strong focus on impact.

Working across Council and with government, community organisations and sector partners, you'll play a key role in shaping a more inclusive, resilient and connected community.

Who We're Looking For

You are someone who:

  • Has a genuine passion for community wellbeing and tackling complex social challenges.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment where strategic thinking and delivery go hand in hand.
  • Thinks strategically and can identify opportunities to influence long-term change. 
  • Has a proven track record of delivering complex projects, programs or policy initiatives. 
  • Sound understanding of the areas of housing, homelessness, community safety, recovery or social policy. 
  • Is a strong relationship builder who can bring people together around a shared goal. 
  • Demonstrates political acumen, sound judgement and a commitment to community wellbeing.

Duties:

  • Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs across housing, homelessness, safety, and recovery. 
  • Manage a multidisciplinary team and foster a high-performance, inclusive culture. 
  • Represent Council in strategic partnerships and advocate for systemic reform. 
  • Oversee budgets, contracts, and compliance with legislative frameworks. 
  • Drive continuous improvement and innovation across all service areas.

Skills and Experience 

  • Proven ability to lead and motivate technical specialists and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Extensive experience in community recovery, housing, homelessness, community safety, and food security.
  • Strong capability in policy development, research, and evidence-based program delivery.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
  • Degree or diploma in social science or related field, with relevant experience.

Benefits

  • We offer a workplace that accommodates your working style and needs. 
  • Be supported and empowered by a leadership team that is community-focused, with a strong desire for change and a culture that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Training and development opportunities, study assistance, flexible working conditions, paid parental leave, an active social club, a health and wellbeing program with access to fitness gyms, pools and facilities, and a well-regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations   

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.  

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
  • Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and                                                       
  • Sufficient proof of their identity. 
  • Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
  • Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation). 

How to Apply

Click APPLY.

All applicants must provide a Resume and Cover Letter in response to the key selection criteria located on the last page of the position description. The Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages and include each heading in the Key Selection Criteria.

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be provided feedback.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Christine Dening, Manager Community Building and Inclusion via email at Christine.dening@portphillip.vic.gov.au 

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 1 November 2026.

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au