Strategic Planning Lead

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 a fixed-term until October 2026 with the possibility of extension, full-time opportunity to join our Regional Planning team. This role offers the chance to work flexibly while contributing to high-impact projects that help guide the city's growth.

As a highly experienced planning specialist, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of major strategic planning projects
• Manage community and stakeholder engagement activities
• Provide strategic input into the new planning scheme
• Undertake research and analysis to inform land use policy and respond to State and regional planning initiatives
• Contribute to the implementation of long-term planning strategies

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.

For more information, view the position brief by clicking the paperclip icon in the top right corner of this screen.

We're looking for people who have:

• Has extensive experience in the field of strategic planning and policy development.
• Has extensive experience in project management of complex strategic planning projects.
• Has experience leading a team, mentoring others and creating a positive workplace environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to collaborate with and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Hold a high level of interpersonal, oral and written skills including demonstrated experience presenting technical matters to stakeholders, management, politicians and/or large audiences, including the community.
• Demonstrate high attention to detail, and ability to analyse issues and problem solve, lead policy development and effectively interpret complex planning policy.
• Has a Bachelor Degree - Urban, Regional or Town Planning (or equivalent knowledge)

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:

• 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 via Xref 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.