- Drive meaningful Aboriginal partnerships and outcomes
- Lead a high-performing team delivering impact across arts, events, and inclusion
- Shape strategic outcomes as a senior leader in one of local government’s most respected community portfolios
- Drive meaningful Aboriginal partnerships and outcomes
-
Lead a high-performing team delivering impact across arts, events, and inclusion
-
Shape strategic outcomes as a senior leader in one of local government’s most respected community portfolios
Create lasting community impact through arts, creative participation and inclusion. Partner with Aboriginal communities to drive meaningful change.
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:
This is a rare and unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio spanning Aboriginal Partnerships, Equity and Inclusion & Arts.
Leading a team of experienced professionals, you’ll build meaningful partnerships with First Nation communities, champion organisation-wide inclusion initiatives and deliver programs that strengthen community connection, participation in the arts and wellbeing.
You will:
Strengthen Aboriginal Community Partnership and Self-Determination Outcomes
Build, maintain and deepen trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal-led organisations across Darebin.
Drive meaningful engagement and self-determination initiatives that strengthen community confidence, influence and outcomes.
Provide Inspiring Leadership and Operational Excellence
Lead, develop and support a high-performing team through consistent, people-centred leadership.
Ensure effective service delivery, governance, risk management and operational performance within established frameworks and processes.
Expand Community Reach, Participation and Impact
Drive the growth and continuous evolution of programs and services, ensuring they remain relevant, accessible and responsive to community needs.
Identify opportunities to broaden participation, increase engagement and enhance the reach and impact of the portfolio.
Contribute as a Strategic Senior Leader
Actively contribute to the organisation’s senior leadership team, working collaboratively across the Council to achieve strategic priorities and community outcomes.
Provide sound advice, informed decision-making and organisational leadership that supports Darebin’s vision and objectives.
Champion Stakeholder Engagement and Continuous Improvement
Build strong, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, adapting communication and engagement approaches to diverse audiences.
Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency and continuous improvement, driving innovation and service excellence across the portfolio.
About you:
You are an experience and people-centred leader who thrives in complex, community focused environments. Known for your authenticity, emotional intelligence and ability to build trust, you bring people together to deliver meaningful outcomes and create lasting impact.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Demonstrated senior leadership experience with a track record of leading high performing teams and delivering outcomes through collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Proven success building and sustaining trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, organisations and stakeholders, underpinned by a genuine commitment to self-determination and culturally safe practice.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to tailor your approach, influence outcomes and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Strong strategic and operational capability including experience working within governance, risk management and decision-making frameworks.
A collaborative leadership style characterised by openness, transparency, sound judgement and the ability to navigate complexity and change.
Highly developed interpersonal skills, with a reputation for being approachable, adaptable and able to build confidence and trust across teams, communities and partners.
A passion for community impact and a commitment to helping Darebin achieve its vision as a leader in arts, creative participation, inclusion and community wellbeing.
Why Darebin?
Darebin City Council is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We proudly serve one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, and we know that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.
We offer:
A supportive team environment
Opportunities for professional development and career growth
A workplace that values collaboration, integrity, respect and creativity
The chance to make a real difference
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your application including a Cover Letter and Resume. If you wish to address the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description, you may do so in your cover letter.
Applications close on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 11:00pm.
Applications may be reviewed during the advertising period so if you’re interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to get your application in as early as possible.
For a confidential discussion about the role and the opportunity, contact Lauren Toldeo, Talent Acquisition Partner via email
[email protected]
Should you need reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs, please get in contact with us and advise how we can best support you.
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.
