Community Development Officer – Community Centres (2 positions)

Part time, contract Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre working 30 hours per week, until 30 June 2029 (Job#01335)

Permanent Part time, Reynella Neighbourhood Centre working 27 hours week, (Job #01338)

About the Position

The Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre and Reynella Neighbourhood Centre are run by dedicated volunteer Boards of Management and supported by a diverse team of passionate volunteers. The Centres are committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community by providing a wide range of social, educational, and recreational programs alongside providing a supportive environment for residents of all ages and helps strengthen local wellbeing and meet the community's changing needs.

Reporting to the Community Centre Coordinator the role provides leadership, governance support, and strategic guidance to the centre-based Board of Management, helping them develop and deliver programs, projects, and initiatives that respond to local community needs. The Community Development Officer provides direct leadership and supervision of the Community Development Support Officer. 

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting and guiding the Board of Management in governance, strategic planning, volunteer management, and organisational sustainability.
• Building strong relationships with volunteers, community groups, funding bodies, government agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen community capacity and achieve positive outcomes
• Identify emerging community needs and implement innovative solutions and opportunities with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Leading initiatives that strengthen community participation, volunteer engagement, and community centre services.
• Sourcing funding opportunities including the preparation of funding applications and reporting/acquittal to support community programs and projects.

About You

You are a community focused leader with significant experience in community development, community engagement, and stakeholder relationship management. You have strong governance knowledge, experience working with volunteer-based organisations, and the ability to navigate complex situations with confidence, diplomacy, and sound judgement.

Ideally, you will possess:

• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and support staff, volunteers and community leaders to build capability, strengthen relationships and achieve positive community outcomes.
• High-level interpersonal and negotiation skills that encourage the participation and allow you to navigate complex situations or disputes with a focus on positive outcomes.
• A sound understanding of governance and legislation as it relates to not-for-profit incorporated associations and volunteer-based organisations.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and project management, including the ability to design, grow, and evaluate complex community programs and source external funding.
• A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and excellent customer service.

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Significant experience in community development and community engagement at a Local Government and not for profit level. 
2. Sound understanding of the latest developments, trends and challenges facing community, associations and volunteers.
3. Dispute resolution and negotiation skills and experience and interpersonal skills that encourage the participation and cooperation of key stakeholders.
4. Experience in successfully building relationships and networks with a wide range of stakeholders within government agencies, community groups, funding bodies and community associations.
5. Demonstrated commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.

Working for Council

Some of the benefits of working with us include:

• Competitive salary
• Generous leave entitlements including 3 additional paid days over Christmas
• Free parking
• An expansive health & wellbeing program
• Career development opportunities
• Salary sacrificing options

If you have any queries, or require further information please contact Claudia Sailis, Coordinator Community Centres, on 04•• ••• 680 or Pamela Hamdorf, Acting Team Leader Community Development 04•• ••• 546.

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing how they meet each of the key selection criteria detailed within this advertisement. It is mandatory to provide detailed explanations of relevant experience and qualifications related to the criteria outlined above. Please ensure you indicate in your cover letter which role you prefer.

Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’s Values and Behaviours.

The City of Onkaparinga is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals with disabilities. For any adjustments during the recruitment process or on the job, contact humanresources@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au.

The City of Onkaparinga advises that the recruitment process includes a medical assessment – including drug and alcohol testing, confirmation of experience and stated qualifications and may also include psychometric testing. The successful applicant must possess and provide a current Department of Human Services (DHS) ‘Cleared” Working with Children Check prior to offer of employment.

Applications close – 9am Monday 7 September 2026