Senior Strategic Planners

Get involved and work collaboratively on projects that help enhance the Gold Coast of the future

About the team:

Based within the Planning and Regulation Department, the City Planning Branch is responsible for long-term planning and policy development to manage the growth of our city while also protecting and conserving our natural environment and heritage.

Within this branch, the Strategic Urban and Regional Planning unit leads the development and review of land use and urban design policy critical to the city's sustainable future. This includes delivering regional planning advice and preparing key planning assumptions, such as population and dwelling forecasts.

The Regional Planning team, a small and agile group within this unit, is known for its commitment to flexible work practices and delivering impactful strategic planning outcomes. We work on major city-shaping initiatives from land use strategies and implementation plans to statutory instruments collaborating with internal teams and external partners (including other levels of government) to get results.

About your new role:

We currently have two permanent full-time positions available in our Regional Planning team. The Senior Strategic Planner role offers you an opportunity to work in a supportive team environment on a broad range of deliverables which will ensure your days are varied and interesting.

As a Senior Strategic Planner, you will work with other policy advisors across the organisation to provide high quality specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders.  The role will also require you to collaborate and consult with a range of stakeholders across the organisation, state government agencies, industry and community groups and broader community.

As an experienced planning specialist, you will:

• Develop and implement major strategic land use planning projects, applying both technical and project management skills
• Plan and facilitate community and stakeholder engagement activities
• Undertake research and analysis to inform land use policy and respond to State and regional planning initiatives, which will inform the new Planning Scheme
• Contribute to the implementation of long-term planning strategies, including the Local Growth Management Strategy

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working autonomously while collaborating across teams, values flexibility, and is driven to make a difference through strategic planning.

We're looking for people who have:

• Bachelor Degree of Urban and Regional Planning or Equivalent
• 5+ years experience as a town planner / urban planner
• Technical skills applicable to the role.
• Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal, oral and written skills as well as effective time management.
• Demonstrate high attention to detail, ability to analyse issues, problem solve and the ability to contribute to policy development.
• Strategic planning or policy experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully applying project management principles to ensure program deliverables and deadlines are met.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to develop innovative solutions.
• Positive mindset and passion for working in a dynamic environment where each day will provide new challenges.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast's future

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia and we have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:

• 9-day fortnight or 10-day fortnight
• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations
• Personal and professional development courses
• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member
• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community. We're committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture.

How to apply:

Click 'Apply' to submit your online application. Upload your Resume with a Cover Letter (of no more than 2 pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes would allow you to achieve success in this role.

Documents need to be less than 2MB in size and PDF format is preferred. If you encounter technical issues when applying, please email

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks viaXref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.

Please note applications for all of our vacancies close at 10.30pm on the listed closing date.

The City of Gold Coast is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are committed to supporting an environment where all employees, regardless of their differences or similarities, feel valued, respected and supported. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons are encouraged to apply.