At Darebin, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of how we work. Our commitment to these values is unwavering, they are central to our mission, to our impact and to help us better serve our community. We know that having varied perspectives and lived experiences helps generate better ideas to enable a diverse, inclusive and connected community.

Darebin encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of colour. We value people of all abilities and diversity of culture, faith, gender identity and sexual orientation. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.

About Darebin City Council
Located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Darebin City Council is home to one of the largest, most diverse communities in terms of culture, language, religion, socio-economic background, occupation, and housing needs. The city has one of the largest populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in metropolitan Melbourne. Our Vision is for a community that works together to advance community life.

About the Role
This role leads the Recreation and Leisure team who are responsible for maximising community participation in sports, leisure and physical activity with a focus on access, equity and inclusion. This is an opportunity to work for a Council with an ambitious community-focused sporting infrastructure program. Collaborate with sporting clubs, funding bodies and across Council to influence and deliver innovative and sustainable sporting facilities to meet the needs of our diverse community.

• Lead a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to maximising community participation in sport and recreation to improve health and wellbeing
• Ensure effective engagement strategies, evidence and plans support the planning and construction of new and redeveloped sporting facilities and infrastructure
• Develop and maintain effective strategic networks and relationships with key internal and external stakeholders

Skills & Experience
• Tertiary qualification in Recreation and Leisure (or related discipline) and/or significant relevant experience
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a diverse and inclusive team
• Knowledge and understanding of recreation and leisure trends, relevant legislation, and policy context
• Experience in developing and delivering consultation, engagement and stakeholder management
• Well-developed budget, financial and project management skills

Culture
As a progressive leader in Local Government, Darebin City Council is passionate about social inclusion, sustainability, engagement and service excellence. We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and recognise the strength this provides in meeting the needs of the community we serve. We are committed to upholding a positive and supportive work environment that values the contribution of all employees and treats all employees with dignity and respect.

Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to our employees including opportunities for personal and professional development, flexible work practices, Employee Assistance Program, recognition and reward program – Appreciate Great and a variety of generous paid and unpaid leave options.

How to Apply
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please submit your application including a resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description.

We’re also happy to adjust our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs.

Contact Melanie McCarten, Manager Recreation and Libraries on 03 8470 8234 for a confidential discussion.

Applications close on Thursday 31 July 2025 at 11.30pm.

Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.

To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.

Council requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as outlined in the Staff COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.