About the role

Temporary full-time (until 15 June 2026)

The Social Strategy Officer works to address challenging social issues, research and deliver evidence-based policy and strategy for Penrith City. The role, which sits within the Social Strategy Team, is a professional role which manages a variety of tasks including research into strategic documents, preparation of correspondence to residents and management of both internal and external partnerships to help deliver collaborative projects. This role looks at all aspects of the planning and delivery of a thriving community for all.

About the team

The City Activation, Community and Place department supports a vibrant and inclusive City with thriving, resilient communities. The department sits within Council's City Futures division, which looks at all aspects of planning and delivering a better city for all residents now and into the future. We are a multidisciplinary team with a wide range of strengths and we work collaboratively to deliver outcomes from community-based events, flagship festivals, place-making and arts initiatives, sector capacity-building, safer communities as well as evidence-based policy with a focus on delivering measurable impact. We work innovatively with our community to drive positive outcomes that shape the future of our City. In this role, you will join a passionate, outcomes-driven team focused on supporting a thriving City for all.

How to Apply

Visit careers.penrith.city to view the position description and to find out more information about employment with Penrith City Council. To submit your application, please apply online using the link below.

In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (listed below) as a part of their initial application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.

Completed applications must be received by 11.55pm on the closing date. Please allow 4 weeks from the closing date for the processing of your application.

For further information about the position, please contact Patricia Gonzalez, Social Strategy Program Manager, on 4732 8605.

Essential criteria

• Tertiary qualifications with a focus on Social Policy, Social Sciences, Community Development or a relevant area.
• Demonstrated experience in researching, analysing and interpreting data and presenting clear and concise reports that can be used for the development of policy and strategy.
• Demonstrated success delivering multiple community projects at the same time according to agreed timeframes and within budget.
• Excellent verbal and written skills with demonstrated experience in the presentation of complex information for decision making.
• Proven ability to blend research and consultation to assess and interpret information in order to prepare comprehensive reports on key issues, formulate recommendations and provide specialist advice.

Desirable criteria

• Qualification/s in Engagement, such as IAP2 certificate in Public Participation or similar.
• Previous experience working in a government context.

Commencing salary: $103,939.00.p.a, plus 11.5% Superannuation

You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied. Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, in order to progress through the recruitment process.

About us

At Penrith City Council, we’re passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life, so we’re here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards, you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits, including:

• A range of flexible work arrangements
• 18 weeks paid maternity leave
• Health and wellbeing leave
• 15 days personal leave
• Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
• Diverse salary packaging
• Access to all Ripples venues
• And much, much more!

Council is a Child Safe Organisation, for more information about this please see our website.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.