We are East Gippsland Shire
East Gippsland is a natural playground with over 21,000 square km of land including ski fields, high country, nine national parks, two significant marine parks, Australia’s largest navigable inland lake system and stunning coastlines included!
Planning and Development
The Planning and Development team helps shape the future of East Gippsland by supporting sustainable growth, strategic planning and community wellbeing. The team works across a broad range of projects and partnerships to address emerging issues, influence policy outcomes and deliver initiatives that strengthen our communities and places.
The Opportunity
We're looking for a Strategic Projects Lead (Housing) to drive key projects that address some of East Gippsland's most important community challenges, including housing affordability, homelessness and place activation. In this role, you'll lead the implementation of Council's Homes for Everyone Action Plan, work with a wide range of stakeholders, and help progress strategic initiatives that deliver practical outcomes for the community. You'll provide research, analysis and strategic advice, while coordinating partnerships, advocacy activities and projects that support Council's long-term priorities. This is a unique opportunity to work across the organisation and make a meaningful contribution to issues that matter to East Gippsland residents.
This is a full-time, limited tenure position for 2 years, based in Bairnsdale, and operates under Council’s hybrid working model. An initial period of full time office-based work will be required to support onboarding and training, with hybrid working arrangements available once the successful candidate has developed sufficient knowledge and capability in the role. While hybrid work flexibility is available, this role cannot be completed living outside of the region - an ongoing expectation of working from the office at least three days per week applies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the implementation of the Homes for Everyone Action Plan and other strategic projects.
- Coordinate partnerships with government agencies, community organisations, housing providers and other stakeholders.
- Prepare reports, position papers, project plans and briefing materials to support decision-making.
- Monitor policy, funding and legislative developments and provide strategic advice to Council.
- Investigate and progress opportunities that support housing outcomes, homelessness responses and place activation initiatives.
What we're looking for:
- Qualifications and experience in housing, planning, social sciences, community development or a related field.
- Knowledge of housing and homelessness issues and an understanding of the local government environment.
- Strong project management, research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build productive stakeholder relationships.
- Ability to develop practical solutions, influence outcomes and manage competing priorities.
Why you'll love EGSC:
Work-Life Balance:
- 60/40 Hybrid office/WFH options
- Option to purchase additional leave
- Flexible start and finish times
- Extra time off over Christmas
- Discounted memberships to our Recreation Centres
Competitive Salaries:
- Annual leave loading paid as a lump sum in December!
- Banded salaries with built in yearly increases!
A Supportive environment:
- 17 weeks paid parental leave pro rata
- Additional special leave available for chronic health conditions and other special needs
- Learning and Development team to keep your skills up to date and give you the opportunity to develop your career!
- Employee Assistance Program offering counselling support when you need it
- Staff consultative committee - management consult staff on big decisions
Does this sound like the role for you? Apply now!
To apply, please upload:
- Your resume, including 2 references
- A cover letter, explaining why you're interested in the position and the skills you will bring to the role
- A statement responding to each of the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description
- Relevant Qualifications
Questions? Contact Kellinde Chester, Manager Planning and Development on (03) 5153 9500
Applications close on 21 July 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, gender diverse people, religiously, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of any age.
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and has a zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. To uphold these standards a valid working with children check is required to be held for applicable positions.
