Engagement Strategy and Business Lead

• $140,947 - $158, % Super
• Permanent, full-time position
• Employee Discounts Program

About the role

As the Engagement, Strategy and Business Lead, you will guide the strategic direction, operations and narrative of Creative Melbourne. This role is central to shaping how the branch plans, communicates and delivers its work ensuring our creative programs, partnerships and investments are aligned, impactful and future-focused.

You'll work closely with the Director and the Branch Leadership Team to drive branch-wide strategy, strengthen financial and business systems, and elevate Creative Melbourne's storytelling and brand. With a blend of strategic thinking, political acumen and people leadership, you'll help position Melbourne as a global creative capital while supporting teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for our community.

A little more about the role

• Lead the development of branch-wide strategy, policy and planning to drive Creative Melbourne's vision and impact.
• Oversee financial, audit and reporting systems that support growth, sustainability and strong operational performance.
• Champion Creative Melbourne's storytelling and strategic communications, elevating the branch's brand and sector influence.
• Build strong partnerships across CoM and the creative sector, identifying opportunities for collaboration, advocacy and shared outcomes.

Why join Team Melbourne?

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you'll help deliver what's most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We're proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it's your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne's future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About you

• An influential leader who creates positive culture and brings out the best in your team.
• A skilled communicator who can translate complex ideas into clear, compelling and actionable messages.
• Someone with strong grounding in the creative sector, able to understand its ecosystem, audiences, and industry dynamics.

What your experience might look like

• Extensive experience in strategic planning or marketing within the creative sector (essential).
• Strong people leadership capability with proven success developing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, business plans and financial systems.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and influencing skills across political or complex environments.
• Well-developed analytical, strategic and creative problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits of working with us

• Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.
• Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.
• Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.
• Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How to apply

Click the APPLY button to be redirected to our Careers Portal.

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.

A few important things to note – don't miss out

• Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can't accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
• Apply early This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don't wait to get your application in.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info?

Refer to the position description that can be found once you hit the apply button or contact Lauren Bialkower – Director Creative Melbourne,

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you're contacted for an interview.