Director of Community Services and Economic Development

Director Community Services and Economic Development

• Permanent Role | 3-4 year Contract
• Strategic Leadership Role
• Up to $170K + Super + Substantial House + FMV + 5 weeks leave

About Council

Cloncurry Shire Council is a future-focused, community-responsive organisation with a charter to enhance all facets of life in the Shire. Creating this improved future is underpinned by an increased focus on planning for the long-term needs of the community and coordinating the delivery and ongoing management of services, infrastructure, and facilities.

Few places can claim to be as influential in shaping Australia, as Cloncurry. Birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and destination of the first Qantas flight - Cloncurry is a community that celebrates outback life. Popularly known as the “Friendly Heart of the Great North West”, Cloncurry has the feel of a western town with the progressiveness of a modern community. The ‘Curry’, as it is affectionately known by locals, is 120km east of Mount Isa and 400km south of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Cloncurry Council promotes arts and cultural activities through the community, and it values the preservation of its heritage and cultural traditions. The region already hosts a significant number of events including equestrian, racing, camp drafting and various festivals that bring an increasing number of tourists to the area. With the John Flynn Centre and the Information Centre now re-furbished further opportunities to attract and retain visitors in the town will be part of your focus.

The Position

As Director of Community Services and Economic Development, you will report to the CEO and be responsible for providing leadership, insight, and innovative thinking to promote the strategic direction in alignment with the Council's objectives for the Cloncurry economy and community.

The role requires a highly experienced and resilient leader who can build internal capacity, and balance both strategic and operational imperatives. You will lead a range of key development projects designed to strengthen the approach to supporting the community, developing, and growing their economy together with tourism and visitation. As a member of the Council's Executive Leadership Team, you will provide and deliver value to the community through strong leadership and capable management of the following:

• Events management
• Tourism and economic development
• Childcare operations
• Community services (library and gallery)
• Community health and wellbeing
• Community engagement
• Arts and culture

A copy of the Candidate Briefing Document can be accessed HERE

The Person

You have proven experience in building, managing and looking after teams that deliver value to the community and to key stakeholders. This experience will be demonstrated across some or all of the key delivery areas listed above. With strong financial management and strategic planning skills you also know how to write a report and how to communicate effectively to a wide-range of audience types (elected members, team members, the general public, grant funding agencies, business networks, state agencies etc).

Why this Role?

The diversity of the operation is substantial and puts Council on par with several much larger Councils. Voted the friendliest town in QLD – there is a strong community feel, and Cloncurry represents a great place for families to feel safe and to enjoy every advantage of living in outback QLD.

This is no ordinary role in local government.  Whilst Cloncurry may not be somewhere you have thought of living and working this is a rare chance to join a financially stable Council and use the significant number of grants that have been accessed to drive economic development and truly make a difference across a range of community and tourism related initiatives.

• Vibrant and growing community: known as the “Friendly Heart of the Great North-West,” Cloncurry is a growing outback community with modern amenities.
• Historical Significance: birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and destination of the first Qantas flight.
• Lifestyle: enjoy a blend of outback charm, stunning landscapes, a packed social calendar and great facilities.
• Community Impact: directly contribute to enhancing the quality of life of all members of the community in a unique and historic town.

A Salary of up to $170K + super + FMV and provision of a rent-free 4 bedroom family home and generous relocation assistance will be offered to the successful candidate.

PEAK Services is working in conjunction with Cloncurry Shire Council, exclusively on this position. We offer local government expertise across a wide range of professional fields, providing tailored solutions for councils and other similar organisations. We work with our clients to deliver meaningful outcomes in recruitment and contracting services. 

How to Apply

You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below.  Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume.  A cover letter is not mandatory, but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.

Applications will close on Monday 25th November at 10pm

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage. 

For a confidential conversation, please call Rona Horsfall on 0438 943854 at Peak Services Recruitment.