Manager Government Relations and Strategic Projects

Posted: 23/10/2026

Closing Date: 08/11/2026

Job Type: Temporary
- Full Time

Location:

Head Office
- Civic Building, Torquay

Job Category: CEO & General Management,Community Services & Development,Other

• Temporary Full Time – 12-month contract with potential future opportunities
• $160,000 – $170,000 pa (incl. of super)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime and WFH

Surf Coast Shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation and is blessed with unique environments from the coast to the hinterland – towns and villages with their own cultures and lifestyles. The charm and values of coastal lifestyle make it a place where people want to live, work, and visit to experience an exceptional quality of life.

Surf Coast Shire Council’s workforce is representative of the townships and communities it serves, and our culture is supportive, respectful and connected to our purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

We empower our people to do their best and be proud of their achievements. We have a commitment to growth and development, and our employees enjoy a contemporary working environment with flexibility and hybrid working arrangements.

As a member of the Office of the CEO, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Council's advocacy agenda, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering high-profile projects that support the Surf Coast community.

You will be a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Management Team
, and work closely with Councillors, government representatives and external stakeholders to:

• identify, develop and promote Council’s advocacy priorities
• research and develop policy and other strategic initiatives
• build and maintain strong partnerships across all levels of government and the community;
• lead projects that are complex, politically sensitive and strategically significant.

This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, champion Council's priorities and help shape the future direction of the Surf Coast region.

We are seeking a highly influential and politically astute leader who thrives on building strong relationships and creating positive outcomes through collaboration and strategic thinking.

You are a natural connector with exceptional stakeholder management skills and the ability to navigate complex environments with confidence and credibility. You can influence without direct authority, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and establish trust through your expertise, sound judgement and professional approach.

You are equally capable of operating at a strategic level and working in a hands‑on way to deliver specific outcomes.

• Exceptional relationship‑building and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, Councillors, Ministers and Members of Parliament, government officers, funding partners and community stakeholders.
• Strong political acumen and strategic thinking capabilities, with experience providing high‑level advice on complex, sensitive or emerging issues.
• Demonstrated success in areas such as advocacy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, public policy development and strategic communications.
• Proven ability to lead strategic projects and initiatives, managing competing priorities while delivering outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including advanced skills in the preparation of policies, briefings, Council…