Tourism Lead

Posted: 29/10/2025

Closing Date: 05/11/2025

Salary: $98, $105,798.64

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office - Civic Building, Torquay

Job Category: Community Services & Development,Hospitality & Tourism

• Permanent Full Time
• $98,265.78 – $105,798.64 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who We Are
There are not many places in Australia quite like Surf Coast Shire, where you can surf at world-class locations like Bells Beach Djarrak, drive along the scenic coast on the Great Ocean Road, or explore the many waterfalls set in tranquil rainforests. The region is a major Victorian tourism destination, and not just because of the coast; it is also thanks to vibrant hinterland towns, a variety of world-class events, colourful community markets, ranges of family activities, and more.

Surf Coast Shire spans Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.
Job Description
Your new career
Join the Surf Coast Tourism Team and play a pivotal role in positioning the region as a premier, year-round destination.

As Tourism Lead, You Will Guide The Development Of Tourism Programs, Marketing Strategies, And Events That Attract Visitors, Support Local Businesses, And Celebrate The Surf Coast's Natural And Cultural Assets. You Will

• Develop and communicate key tourism messaging that fosters slow and regenerative tourism outcomes.
• Increase visitor yield through effective marketing campaigns that help attract visitors and sustain local economies particularly in the off-peak season.
• Manage the delivery of the Surf Coast Events grant program, to help support the attraction and retention of events in the Surf Coast
• Ensure tourism marketing content has a focus on the local environment; with an emphasis on the region as an eco-certified destination.

This is your opportunity to shape a visitor experience that delights millions and delivers lasting benefits for the community.

What You Will Bring To The Role
We're looking for a Tourism Lead who is a strategic thinker, an effective leader, and passionate about promoting the Surf Coast responsibly. You thrive on managing complex projects, building strong partnerships, and delivering measurable outcomes that strengthen the region's profile and community value.

To Thrive In This Role You Will Have

• Experience leading tourism programs, including marketing, events, or destination management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills across industry, government, and community.
• Experience in digital marketing, content curation, and strategic campaign delivery.
• Knowledge of sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.
• Ability to analyse data and prepare reports to measure the impact of tourism and events.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, with the ability to guide and support staff effectively.

Key selection criteria

Mandatory Qualifications, Experience And Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Tourism, Marketing or Business (qualification check conducted) or minimum of four years' experience in the tourism, events or marketing industry.
• Minimum four years' experience in assessing funding applications, providing feedback, acquitting grant agreements and reporting to Council on outcomes.
• Experience in delivering tourism marketing campaigns against existing strategies with a particular focus on regenerative tourism.
• Highly developed project management skills and experience in working on multiple projects at any time.
• Experience in representing Council at regional and state level key stakeholder meetings.
• Local government experience in a tourism context.
• Current Victorian driver's licence
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What You'll Love Working With Us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For more information
More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here .

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact
Sarah Korakis, Tourism Coordinator
on

.

How To Apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.
Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Wednesday 5 November 2025.
Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.
Apply

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