The Position 

The Shire of Irwin is seeking a passionate and community-minded Community Development Officer to join our team. 

Based in the picturesque coastal town of Dongara, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to initiatives that enrich community life and promote engagement, inclusion, and local wellbeing. 

As the Community Development Officer, you will work collaboratively with the community, local organisations, and stakeholders to deliver programs, events, and projects that align with Shire’s strategic community priorities. You'll also play a key role in supporting community groups with grants and building long-lasting partnerships across the region. The position will provide administrative and organisational support in all relevant areas of community and associated service provision.  

About You 

To be successful in the role, you should have: 

• A qualification in a discipline relevant to dealing with the public and preferably in the field of community services, and/or minimum 2 years’ work experience in a community development role. 

• A genuine passion for community development and making a positive local impact 

• Experience in planning, delivering, and evaluating community programs and events 

• Strong skills in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, local groups, and service providers 

• Proven ability to prepare, manage, and acquit community grants 

• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS 

Qualifications and Experience 

• A qualification in a discipline relevant to dealing with the public and preferably in the field of community services, and/or minimum 2 years work experience in a community development role. 

• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and program delivery  

• Proven experience in preparing funding applications and managing grant reporting and acquittals. 

• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution, facilitation, and negotiation skills with the ability to communicate with a wide range of people and community groups to positively influence others and ensure delivery of a high level of customer service. 

• Proven written communication skills, including the ability to undertake research and write complex letters and reports, including previous experience in developing, implementing, and reviewing policies, strategies, and procedures. 

• Developed organisational and administrative skills with proven ability to effectively prioritise multiple projects and coordinate conflicting priorities to meet strict deadlines and organisational objectives whilst achieving a high level of accuracy. 

• Ability to think strategically, exercise initiative and make good decisions including solving day to day problems, applying the appropriate level of discretion and confidentiality to the situation, and accommodating organisational sensitivity. 

• Ability to work effectively under pressure both as a team member and autonomously with minimal supervision. 

• Ability to utilise personal computer applications and in particular, the Microsoft Office suite of products (ie Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). 

Position Description

Interested?  Confidential enquiries can be made to Farah Boksmati, Manager Community Services on 9927 0000.