About the role

We are looking for a full time, permanent Community Development Advisor who is passionate about supporting communities to lead their own success. This is a role focused on working alongside communities; helping to connect, enable and support them to deliver their own ideas, events, and initiatives.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping how Council works with communities - supporting a future where communities are empowered to lead, grow and succeed.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting and empowering local community groups to lead initiatives that build connection and resilience
• Coordinating a calendar of engaging events, campaigns and workshops
• Supporting and facilitating the volunteers in community development, groups and agencies.
• 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

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!

This role is Monday to Friday, based in Rolleston. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

About you

We're after someone who's practical, people-focused, and passionate about communities.

You'll be confident delivering projects on the ground, building relationships, and turning great ideas into action. You'll enjoy working alongside communities to support them to achieve what they want to do, rather than delivering on their behalf . You will make connections between people, groups, and organisations to strengthen collaboration and shared ownership. You'll do a lot of practical supporting of community groups and volunteers to access funding (including grants), tools, and advice . You'll enjoy engaging with communities and operating in a way that enables and supports without seeking recognition, allowing community ownership and leadership to remain front and centre.

• Ability to establish and maintain key networks and relationships
• A strong customer focus and the ability to engage with people from all walks of life
• Confidence working independently and presenting to groups
• Strong interpersonal skills including high level written and verbal communication
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to work with external organisations and stakeholders
• Sound judgement and decision making
• Understanding of diverse and changing communities in a district context

What we can offer

• Great work-life balance with flexibility
• Career coaching and development
• Wellbeing and volunteer leave
• Life insurance
• Up to 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 one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand. 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 head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

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.

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