Head of Economic Development and Activation

Permanent, Full Time
- Salary to be negotiated with the successful applicant
- Creative and supportive work environment

Working within the Community Division and the Creative Culture & Economic Development Department, this position will lead Council’s work regarding the economic development and activation of our city to ensure that Darebin thrives and is able to meet future challenges. You will provide strategic direction and inspirational leadership, to effectively engage a diverse range of stakeholders and focus on ways to address the changing requirements of the Darebin community and realise the Council’s vision for Darebin to be a thriving and sustainable local economy.

At Darebin, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of how we work. Our commitment to these values is unwavering, they are central to our mission, to our impact and to help us better serve our community. We know that having varied perspectives and lived experiences helps generate better ideas to enable a diverse, inclusive and connected community.

**About Darebin City Council**
Located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Darebin City Council is home to one of the largest, most diverse communities in terms of culture, language, religion, socio-economic background, occupation, and housing needs. The city has one of the largest populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in metropolitan Melbourne. Our Vision is for a community that works together to advance community life.

**About the Role**
The role sits within Economic Development team as part of the greater Creative Culture & Economic Development Department. The Department is united by the purpose to connect communities for creativity and prosperity.

This position is a key leadership role within the Creative Culture Unit that will lead Council’s work regarding the economic development and activation of our city to ensure that Darebin thrives and is able to meet future challenges.

Working within the Creative Culture & Economic Development Department the role provides strategic direction and inspirational leadership, to effectively engage a diverse range of stakeholders and focus on ways to address the changing requirements of the Darebin community and realise the Council’s vision for Darebin to be a thriving and sustainable local economy.

You will be politically astute, responsive and innovative. Flexible, open and with excellent communication skills, you will have the capacity to build strong networks that yield excellent outcomes for our organisation and community.

**Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of contemporary economic development and recovery issues with experience in advocacy, strategies and programs that support economic development and resilience.
- Experience in dealing with business and industry including liaison and managing conflicting expectations.
- Experience in designing and implementing programs and services related to business attraction, retention, development and employment.
- Strong commitment to customer service and operational efficiency.
- Knowledge of the contribution of economic development to the overall role and function of local government.
- Advanced problem solving, interpersonal and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently, use initiative, work under pressure and manage multiple, and often competing priorities.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including a proven ability and genuine interest in working with others.
- A high level of political acumen and judgement in a local government environment.

**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 - Appreciate Great and a variety of generous paid and unpaid leave options.

**How to Apply**

**Applications close on 11 October 2024 at 11.30pm.**
- 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. Council requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as outlined in the St