Who are we

The City of Salisbury vision is a progressive, sustainable and connected community. We strive to make a positive difference for those who visit, live and work in the City of Salisbury and to leave our community in a better state for future generations.

Our City is one of South Australia's largest and most diverse local government areas, serving more than 149,000 residents across 32 suburbs and 158 square kilometres of northern Adelaide. Home to over 8,000 businesses and one of the state's most significant employment regions, the City of Salisbury plays a critical role in driving economic growth, jobs, housing and opportunity in northern Adelaide.

The Community Development Department plays a lead role in shaping a connected, inclusive and active community. Through strategic leadership of community programs, places, services and partnerships, the Department enhances quality of life, fosters participation and belonging, and delivers opportunities that support the wellbeing and aspirations of our growing and diverse community.

With a workforce of over 400 people, the City of Salisbury offers the chance to collaborate across a broad, multi-disciplinary organisation and make a meaningful impact.

About the role

We are seeking a strategic, influential and people-focused leader with relevant subject knowledge to provide vision and direction for a diverse portfolio that shapes, recreation, culture, participation and places across the City of Salisbury. Passionate about creating opportunities for people to be active, connected and engaged in community life, you will lead sport and recreation infrastructure initiatives, build strong partnerships across government, industry and the community sector, and drive programs and services that enhance participation, inclusion, physical activity and community vibrancy.

Reporting to the General Manager Community Development, you will provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio encompassing sport and recreation, open spaces, community activation, events, arts and culture, community transport, memorialisation services, major recreation contracts and community use of public spaces.

As a key member of the Community Development and Senior Leadership teams, you will influence the strategic direction of the organisation, provide trusted advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Council, and contribute to shaping Salisbury as a progressive, sustainable and connected city.

Your key responsibilities will include





- Providing strategic leadership and direction across the Active Communities & Places Division.
- Leading the planning and delivery of open space, sport, recreation and leisure strategies, plans and initiatives.
- Driving the sustainability, growth and development of sport and recreation clubs across the City.
- Overseeing major recreation and leisure contracts, partnerships and service delivery arrangements.
- Leading the strategic development and delivery of events, arts, culture and place activation initiatives.
- Providing strategic oversight of Salisbury Memorial Park and Council's broader memorialisation services.
- Guiding the planning, redevelopment and optimisation of major sport, recreation and open space infrastructure.
- Building productive partnerships with government, industry, community and non-government stakeholders.
- Leading and developing a high-performing, collaborative and accountable team culture.

About you

You are a people-focused leader with a passion for creating active, connected and vibrant communities. Coupled with your knowledge of sport, recreation, events and/or arts and culture, you bring strategic thinking, political acumen and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while maintaining a strong focus on community outcomes.

You are recognised for your ability to build trusted relationships, inspire high-performing teams, lead change and deliver results through collaboration, innovation and sound judgement. You are equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy as you are driving practical outcomes and projects.

You will also have

- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or significant senior leadership experience in a comparable role.
- Demonstrated experience in sport, recreation, open space, community infrastructure, arts and culture, events or related fields.
- Experience leading strategic planning, advocacy, funding acquisition and major community or infrastructure initiatives.
- Demonstrated success in managing service contracts, partnerships and commercial arrangements.
- Experience leading community participation, recreation, arts, culture, wellbeing or activation programs and initiatives.




- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and organisational capability.
- Highly developed analytical, communication and report writing skills.
- Experience providing strategic advice to executive leaders, boards, councils or other elected bodies.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and partnership-building skills.

Desirable

- Experience within local government or another politically sensitive public-sector setting.
- Understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rapidly growing and diverse communities.
- Knowledge of contemporary approaches to community development and participation, inclusion, wellbeing, placemaking, sport and recreation.
- Understanding of governance frameworks and the relationship between elected members and administration.
- Postgraduate qualifications in leadership, management, planning, community development, business, public administration, recreation, sport management or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of workplace relations, governance and workplace health and safety requirements.

For a complete list of position responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the [Position Description].

What we offer

- State-of-the-art Salisbury Community Hub is 25 minutes from the CBD with excellent rail and road connections.
- Modern and positive work environments.
- Free car parking.
- Flexible work options.
- Three additional leave days per year.
- Annual pay rises.
- Health and wellbeing programs, including skin checks, health assessments, flu vaccinations and an employee assistance program.
- Professional development opportunities.

Eligibility

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and relevant screening clearances are required for this position.

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, veterans, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Contact us

For enquiries or to receive candidate information pack, please contact Hayley Berrisford, PA to General Manager, Community Development on 8406 8340 or [email protected]

Your application should include a current CV and cover letter (not more than two pages).

Applications close 9:00am Monday 23 November 2026,

📌 Divisional Head Active Communities and Places (Australia)
🏢 Recognized
📍 Australia