Community Impact, Social Planning & Policy (Community Development Planner)

• Permanent Full-Time opportunity
• Level 6 | Salary from $96,907 – $104,742 per annum plus superannuation

About the Role

Are you a strategic thinker who enjoys turning research, evidence and community insights into meaningful action?

The City of Wanneroo is seeking a motivated and adaptable professional to join our Community Development Team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to strategic community outcomes through policy development, research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, and the development of long-term plans and initiatives.

Working within the Community Planning Sub-Team, you will lead and support projects that respond to current and emerging community needs, inform organisational decision-making, and strengthen outcomes for our growing and diverse community. You will work across the organisation and with external stakeholders to develop evidence-based strategies, plans and policy responses that deliver lasting community benefit.

A key focus of this role is strengthening the City's understanding, measurement and communication of social impact. You will help implement evaluation frameworks, outcome measures and reporting approaches that demonstrate the value of community investment and inform future priorities. Through research, analysis and impact evaluation, you will build the evidence base needed to support decision-making, drive continuous improvement, and clearly demonstrate community outcomes to both internal and external stakeholders.

Examples of the work you may contribute to include the City's wellbeing advocacy agenda, Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, regional homelessness initiatives, Reconciliation Action Plan and other strategic community priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of community strategies, plans, policies and frameworks.
• Undertake research, analysis and community needs assessments to identify emerging trends, issues and opportunities.
• Develop and implement approaches to measure, evaluate and communicate the social impact of community initiatives and investments.
• Provide strategic advice and evidence-based recommendations that support organisational planning, decision-making and advocacy.
• Manage complex projects, including stakeholder engagement, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefing papers, policy documents and strategic plans.
• Build and maintain productive partnerships with government agencies, service providers, community organisations and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate and participate in stakeholder networks, advisory groups and collaborative partnerships.

About You
You are a strategic and adaptable professional who enjoys tackling complex community issues and turning evidence into action. You bring strong research, analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical responses that deliver meaningful community outcomes.

You are confident providing advice, influencing decision-making and building productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. Whether developing policy, leading projects or shaping strategic plans, you can balance big-picture thinking with practical implementation.

Most importantly, you are curious, proactive and comfortable working in a changing environment. You thrive on identifying opportunities, measuring impact and using evidence to improve outcomes for the community.

To be considered further, please submit a resume and cover letter (of no more than two pages) addressing the following:

• Qualification community development, social planning, public policy, social sciences or a related discipline.
• Developing and implementing community strategies, plans, policies or frameworks.
• Research, analysis and community needs assessment, including the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Monitoring, evaluation and/or social impact measurement, including the ability to communicate outcomes and inform future decision-making.
• Providing strategic advice and evidence-based recommendations to support planning, decision-making and advocacy.
• Managing complex projects, including stakeholder engagement, implementation and evaluation.
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with government agencies, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Identifying emerging issues, trends and opportunities and developing proactive responses to improve community outcomes.
• Preparing high-quality reports, briefing papers, policy documents and strategic plans.
• Demonstrated organisational, communication and relationship management skills, including the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

So… why join the City of Wanneroo?

More Time Off

• 5 weeks annual leave (pro-rata)
• 2 paid Wellness Days and 1 paid Volunteer Day per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to additional leave types: Reproductive Health, Cultural/Ceremonial, Family Responsibility and Family & Domestic Violence Leave
• Ability to purchase or cash out leave, depending on your needs

Genuine Flexibility

• Choose between a 9 day fortnight, 19 day month or flexi time arrangement
• Start and finish times can be adjusted within a 7am–7pm span depending on your preferences and team needs
• Hybrid work and TOIL may be available depending on the service area

Stability with Mobility

• Long Service Leave is portable across WA local governments
• Permanent roles, strong internal mobility, and sector-wide credibility
• A comprehensive development program with internal capability frameworks and access to funded external courses, workshops, and study leave

Perks & Support

• Up to 15% superannuation with matching
• Free on-site parking
• Thoughtfully designed workspaces with sit-stand desks
• Modern end-of-trip facilities including showers, lockers, and secure bike storage
• Access to salary packaging and novated leasing options
• 50% off membership to our award-winning gym and leisure centre, Aquamotion
• An active social club with regular events

Work Local

With 56% of our workforce living locally, working at the City of Wanneroo isn’t just about cutting your commute. This role is a genuine opportunity to contribute to the community you call home. This is work with real purpose, where you will see the impact of your efforts every day – in parks, streets and services around you. It’s a meaningful way to give back and shape the future of your City.

The City of Wanneroo is a diverse, community-focused organisation where your work makes a real impact, not just for our residents, but for the people you work alongside. We’re proud of our inclusive culture and the many perspectives that shape it.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply and bring their voice to local government. If you value purpose, collaboration, and a team that welcomes you for who you are, you’ll feel at home her

Want to apply?

If this sounds like your next career move, we’d love to hear from you. Apply with your resume and a cover letter (max 2 pages) telling us why you're a great fit.

Reference number: 850067

Applications close: Monday 24 August 2026

For further information regarding the position visit the City of Wanneroo website or contact Halima Mohamud, Team Leader Community Planning on 9405 5621 or Nyssa Searles on 9405 5909

Please note:

• A National Police Clearance (within 3 months) is required prior to commencement.
• All employees must declare secondary employment to manage any potential conflicts of interest and fatigue risks.
• Medical assessment may be required depending on the role.

Attachments:
- community development planner PD.pdf