Community & Cultural Planner
At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community.
Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.
We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.
The Opportunity
Step into a role where your work directly shapes the social and cultural wellbeing of the Wollongong community. You'll join a supportive, collaborative team within Community, Culture and Engagement, working alongside experienced community development workers, engagement specialists, and a wide range of internal and external partners.
In this role, you contribute to meaningful projects across community, cultural planning and policy development. You'll work with advisory groups, community stakeholders, and colleagues across Council to turn insights into practical actions and strategies that improve the lives of residents. Your ability to interpret data, navigate community needs and influence outcomes will make a valuable difference.
Under Part 2, Section 6 of the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012, this position has been designated as requiring a paid Working With Children Check.
This is a Term Contract position to cover a parental leave up to May 2027, with possibility of extension. Salary from $101,912.04 up to $121,561.34 per, plus superannuation. (Salary package will be assessed based on skills, experience and qualifications).
How you'll make a difference
You will contribute to the delivery of high‑impact social and cultural planning initiatives that guide Council's strategic direction. Your work will help ensure our plans reflect the needs, aspirations and lived experiences of our community. You'll support and be involved in key projects and you will:
- Interpret and analyse social, demographic and community data to inform strategic planning and operational actions.
- Support the Community Safety Plan and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) through data review, community feedback analysis, and preparing updates for Council endorsement.
- Assist with development of the Wollongong Art Gallery Strategy and associated implementation planning.
- Applying social and cultural insights to development assessment referrals and broader community needs.
- Build relationships with internal business units, community members, advisory groups and external stakeholders to shape inclusive and community‑focused outcomes.
- Prepare reports, strategic documents and recommendations based on research, community insights and legislative considerations.
- Work collaboratively within a busy, highly engaged team environment to support cross‑organisational priorities.
About you
You're someone who thrives at the intersection of data, people, and community impact. You bring a strong foundation in social research, policy and strategic/operational planning, and you enjoy applying evidence to shape practical, real‑world initiatives. You bring:
- A degree in Social Sciences or a related discipline.
- Experience analysing demographic and social data and using those insights to inform strategic planning.
- Confidence to manage small-medium projects, juggle competing priorities and deliver outcomes within defined timeframes.
- Advanced written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and guide stakeholders toward shared outcomes.
- Experience building productive relationships across diverse communities and organisational groups, with an understanding of access, equity and social justice.
- Curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to learn
- A valid Working With Children Check or willingness to obtain.
Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!
- True work-life balance
We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes. - Great working conditions
Enjoy a 35-hour work week or a 9-day fortnight with a regular rostered day off (RDO). - Career growth and recognition
We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed. - Generous leave provisions
Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years. - Health, safety, and wellbeing
We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks, vaccinations, and discounted gym memberships. - A vibrant social culture
Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!
Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.
For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.
Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 12 April 2026.
We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.
Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.
Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.