The role

See more about the role below, including the responsibilities and skills we are looking for.



Community Development Advisor

Join our team and help make our community thrive!

Rolleston, New Zealand

Reference: 6782483

About the role:

At Selwyn District Council, we're passionate about building a connected, inclusive and vibrant district - and we're looking for someone who shares that passion. If you're a relationship builder, a creative thinker, and a doer who loves working alongside communities to make great things happen, then this could be the role for you!

As our Community Development Advisor, you'll be at the heart of the action - working with people, groups and local businesses to bring projects, events, and strategies to life. Whether it's supporting youth and older people, supporting newcomers, running workshops, working with service providers or delivering inclusive community events - your mahi will make a real difference in people's lives.

You'll be part of our friendly and dedicated Community & Economic Development team, helping deliver our Community Services Strategic Plan and initiatives like the Te Paepae Aging Well in Selwyn Strategy, Piki Amokura Selwyn Youth Strategy, and local placemaking and accessibility projects.

You will also be:

  • Supporting and empowering local community groups to lead initiatives that build connection and resilience
  • Coordinating a calendar of engaging events, campaigns and workshops
  • Promoting and managing funding opportunities for community clubs, groups and businesses
  • Connecting with key partners, networks and communities of interest
  • Working across ages, stages and cultures - from rangatahi to kaumatua, newcomers to long-time locals
  • Collaborating with internal teams to make our district a place where everyone feels they belong
  • Building the skills and knowledge of local groups one to one and in group settings to enable them to deliver great initiatives

About you:

We're after someone who's practical, people-focused, and passionate about building thriving communities. You'll have experience in community development (or a similar field), and you'll be confident delivering projects on the ground, building relationships, and turning great ideas into action.

You will also have:

  • A strong customer focus and the ability to engage with people from all walks of life
  • Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal
  • Confidence working independently and presenting to groups
  • Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate with stakeholders
  • Sound judgement, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset

What we can offer:

  • Career coaching and development
  • Life insurance
  • Wellbeing and volunteer leave
  • Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
  • Two weeks paid Partners Leave
  • Sick leave from day one
  • Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension
  • Discounts with local and national businesses

About us:

Selwyn is New Zealand's fastest growing district. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work: · Be a good human · Be brave - Think differently · Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We value the safety of our community - this role requires a satisfactory safety check including police vetting and for you to pass a drug and alcohol test.

If you'd like to play a part in making Selwyn the best place to live, work and play, join us today!


Applications Close: 27 Jul 2025


  • Why Work Here?

    Selwyn is the best place to live, work and play.

  • This Is Selwyn

    Our values are important to all of us and represent the way we work. They underpin our friendly and innovative culture.

  • Contact

    Want to talk to us about joining the team? Get in touch.