Open Space and Recreation Development Officer

Open Space & Recreation Development Officer, Part-time (28 hours per week)

• Foster strong relationships with local sport clubs and park volunteer groups, offering expert advice on governance, sustainability, and grants.
• Develop inclusive programs that boost participation, promote wellbeing, and strengthen volunteer-led initiatives across Willoughby.
• Salary from $81, $87,982.84 per annum on pro rata basis + 12% superannuation

Make a Difference Where You Work

Join a team that empowers local communities through sport, recreation, and volunteer engagement. As the Open Space & Recreation Development Officer, you'll play a vital role in enhancing public spaces, supporting grassroots organisations, and fostering community wellbeing across Willoughby. Your work will directly contribute to building a more connected, resilient, and vibrant community.

Why Join Us?

Empower Local Communities
: Make a meaningful impact by supporting grassroots sport and volunteer groups, helping them thrive and grow in a vibrant, inclusive environment.

Collaborative & Supportive Culture
: Be part of a passionate team within Council's Open Space & Recreation unit where innovation, community connection & wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.

Work-Life Balance
: Enjoy flexible part-time hours (28 hours/week) with occasional after-hours work, allowing you to contribute meaningfully while maintaining personal balance.

About the Role

As the Open Space & Recreation Development Officer, you will:

• Identify, develop and facilitate opportunities for community, sport and recreation organisations to build their capacity and grow participation in a sustainable manner.
• Undertake contract management inspections and reporting for a suite of existing recreation facilities across Council's parks and assist operators with asset maintenance, renewal and upgrade requests.
• Establish and manage relationships with community, sport and recreation organisations and provide specialist advice on governance, sustainability and grant applications.
• Oversee, coordinate and deliver community volunteer programs and one-off opportunities across Council's parks with a focus on park maintenance and beautification projects.

What You'll Bring:

• Proven experience in volunteer/stakeholder management within a dynamic and challenging environment.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in community development, volunteer/sport management or other related discipline or equivalent.
• Deep understanding of the challenges faced by sport and recreation community groups, volunteer capabilities and limitations and contemporary solutions to address these challenges.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating programs and events with a recreation or leisure focus.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate productive and collaborative relationships and partnerships.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in contract management for recreation or leisure facilities.

How to apply

Visit to apply or learn more including all about the range of benefits on offer at Willoughby.

For more information, contact: Erin Colwell, Acting Recreation and Sport Team Leader at or

Applications should address all the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description.

Successful candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.

Applications close: Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 11:30pm

Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date

At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.