Specialist Social Planner - Housing

Help shape the future of housing in one of Sydney's fastest-growing communities.

As part of the City of Ryde, you'll contribute to housing strategies and initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for our community now and into the future.

• Lead projects and initiatives that directly impact our community
• Influence outcomes that directly impact our community
• Hybrid and flexible working conditions including a RDO every three weeks

About Us

City of Ryde, just 12 kilometres from Sydney CBD, is one of Australia's most dynamic and rapidly evolving local government areas. Home to more than 145,000 residents, a thriving innovation economy centred around Macquarie Park, and vibrant local centres, Ryde is experiencing significant growth and transformation.

As our population grows, ensuring access to diverse, affordable and appropriate housing is increasingly important. Council is committed to planning for a future where people of all ages, incomes, abilities and life stages can access suitable housing and participate fully in community life.

This is an opportunity to join an organisation that is shaping the future of one of Sydney's fastest-growing communities, where your work will directly influence housing outcomes, social equity and community wellbeing for current and future generations.

About the Role

We're looking for a passionate Senior Social Planner - Housing to help shape housing outcomes across the City of Ryde. In this role, you'll lead strategic housing initiatives, provide expert advice on housing affordability and housing for people in need, and the social impacts of growth and development.

This is an opportunity to influence how our city grows, helping ensure people of all ages, backgrounds and life stages can access suitable housing while maintaining the qualities that make the City of Ryde a great place to live.

About You

You're passionate about creating positive community outcomes and recognise the importance of delivering a diverse range of housing options that promote affordability, inclusion, and meet the varied needs of the community. With experience in social planning, strategic planning, housing policy or a related field, you combine strong analytical skills with the ability to build effective relationships and influence outcomes.

You enjoy working collaboratively, developing evidence-based solutions and contributing to projects that make a lasting difference to the community.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of housing in the City of Ryde and contribute to a more inclusive, connected and liveable community for current and future generations.

What You'll Bring?

• Degree in urban planning, geography, policy, social science or other related field.
• Demonstrated experience in social planning, strategic planning, housing policy or social impact assessment.
• Strong understanding of housing affordability issues, housing diversity and contemporary planning policy.
• Knowledge of NSW planning legislation and strategic planning frameworks.
• Experience undertaking research, analysis and policy development.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and strategic documents.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities and ability to work collaboratively and influence outcomes across a broad range of stakeholders.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to do meaningful work that directly contributes to creating a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable community.
• Commitment to providing opportunities for work/life balance
• Hybrid work from home and office arrangements
• Flexibility regarding start and finish times to suit your lifestyle
• Work 37.5 hours and enjoy a rostered day off approximately every three weeks
• Long service leave after 5 years, then accrued monthly
• 18 weeks paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
• Three additional grant days at Christmas
• Annual performance reviews and Award increases
• Study assistance and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to join Fitness Passport
• Various health and wellbeing initiatives including flu vaccinations and wellness programs
• Collaborative and values-driven workplace culture.

Your commencing annual salary will range will be negotiable for the right applicant, dependent on your experience and qualifications.

How to apply

Please ensure you give full answers to the online application questions, showcasing your abilities and experience. Your answers, in conjunction with your resume, will determine if you are invited to an interview.

Please note you do not need a “password” to use our on-line application system, however you have the option save and return to your application prior to the closing date. In addition to answering the online questions, this position requires you to attach your Resume to complete the application process.

Please note, you are not required to submit a cover letter or a statement addressing selection criteria.

Closing Date: Thursday 10th September 2026 at 11:30pm.

If you would like to know more, please see the position description or contact Sarah Braund on 04•• ••• 971 for a confidential discussion.

City of Ryde is committed to Equal Employment and Child Safety