- Permanent, full time
- Lead. Influence. Empower
- Preston location, close to public transport
Lead. Influence. Empower. Shape the future for young people in Darebin.
Darebin City Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Coordinator Youth Services to provide strategic leadership and drive initiatives that strengthen opportunities, wellbeing and connection for young people across our community.
This leadership role sits within Community Services and Development team and plays a pivotal part in progressing Council’s Youth Services Strategy. You will lead a team in the delivery of key priorities that engage youth services and strengthen connections, oversee key programs and partnerships, and ensure our services remain responsive, inclusive and future focused.
We're building Darebin's future - and we're looking for great people to join us.
As part of our organisational redesign, we're introducing new roles that support Darebin's future focus and priorities.
About the Role
As Coordinator Youth Services, you will:
- Lead and mentor the Youth Services Unit, including Senior Team Leaders for Youth Programs and Youth Engagement.
- Oversee the development, coordination and evaluation of a comprehensive range of youth programs within a community development framework.
- Drive service planning, ensuring programs anticipate emerging needs and align with Council’s strategic objectives.
- Strengthen partnerships with families, carers, youth networks, local agencies, community groups and government stakeholders.
- Represent Council in community forums, advisory groups and multi agency collaborations.
- Manage budgets, funding submissions, reporting and compliance with legislative and policy requirements.
- Provide expert advice to Council on issues affecting young people and youth service delivery.
To be successful in the role, you will bring:
You are a confident, strategic and collaborative leader with a deep understanding of youth needs and community development.
You bring:
- Substantial experience leading diverse teams in youth, community or social services.
- Strong financial management, program evaluation and policy analysis skills.
- Demonstrated success in building effective partnerships and delivering community based services.
- Knowledge of youth policies and funding frameworks.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- The ability to navigate complex, sensitive environments and make sound, independent decisions.
Qualifications
- Degree or diploma in Community Youth Affairs, Teaching, Recreation, Social Work or related fields; or extensive relevant experience.
- Experience in youth/community services management and strategic planning.
- Victorian Driver’s Licence and Working with Children Check (Employee).
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your application including a Cover Letter and Resume, address the key selection criteria.
Applications Close 17, July 2026, 11.30pm
Applications will be reviewed during the advertising period so if you are interested in this opportunity, we would encourage you to get your application in as early as possible.
For a confidential discussion about the role and opportunity, contact Jo Smale, Manager Children, Youth & Families on
[email protected]
About Darebin City Council
Culture
As a progressive leader in Local Government, Darebin City Council is passionate about social inclusion, sustainability, engagement and service excellence. We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and recognise the strength this provides in meeting the needs of the community we serve. We are committed to upholding a positive and supportive work environment that values the contribution of all employees and treats all employees with dignity and respect.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to our employees including opportunities for personal and professional development, flexible work practices, Employee Assistance Program, recognition and reward program and a variety of generous paid and unpaid leave options.
Commitment to Diversity
Darebin encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of colour. We value people of all abilities and diversity of culture, faith, gender identity and sexual orientation. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.
We’re also happy to adjust our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs.
Pre-employment checks
Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.
To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.
