Townsville City Council is seeking an accomplished strategic leader to drive major city-shaping programs, strengthen government and stakeholder relationships and help advance Townsville's priorities at a state and federal level.

As Northern Australia's largest local government authority, Council is focused on growing Townsville through economic diversity and creating a vibrant, sustainable and innovative city.
Reporting to the Director Planning, Workplace and Lifestyle and leading a small team, the Head of Advocacy & Strategic Programs will work across Council to translate strategic priorities into coordinated programs, partnerships, advocacy initiatives and measurable outcomes.

This is a diverse and influential portfolio. You will lead the end-to-end coordination of Council's two-year CBD Activation Program, establish the CBD Taskforce governance framework and provide strategic oversight of Townsville's involvement as a host city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. You will also help facilitate the Townsville 2032 Legacy Action Plan, maximising longer-term economic, social, tourism and community outcomes.

Another major focus will be leading the finalisation and implementation of Council's Economic Development Strategy,



translating strategic priorities into coordinated delivery plans, milestones and measurable outcomes. You will also manage key strategic partnerships, identify opportunities to leverage external investment and support Council's engagement with government through high-quality research, submissions, briefings and stakeholder relationships.

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic thinking with the ability to get things done. You will bring strong communication, negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills, together with demonstrated experience delivering complex programs or large-scale projects.

Exceptional written communication will be critical, as will the ability to work across organisational boundaries, synthesise complex information and develop clear, persuasive advice.
Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience years in advocacy, program management or government-facing roles are required. Experience may have been gained across local, state or federal government, ministerial offices, advocacy, economic development or related environments.

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📌 Head of Advocacy and Strategic Programs (Townsville City)
🏢 Economic Development Australia
📍 Townsville City