Active Spaces Lead in Melbourne

• Help shape the future of Darebin's activity centres as they respond to significant investment, urban renewal and changing business conditions.
• Lead the growth and evolution of Darebin's Active Spaces and Business Support programs within the Activity Centres team as part of the Economic Development unit.
• Drive place-based economic development initiatives that influence local centres, by working with businesses, property owners and government partners to shape thriving places.

We're building Darebin's future - and we're looking for great people to join us.

This is an opportunity to lead some of Darebin's most visible and impactful economic development initiatives.

As Active Spaces Lead, you will play a central role in helping our activity centres adapt, grow and thrive through change.

About the role

Darebin's activity centres are undergoing significant change.

Population growth, new development, changing consumer behaviour and evolving business needs are creating both opportunities and challenges for local businesses and commercial precincts.

Council's Economic Development Framework recognises the important role that vibrant, resilient and attractive activity centres play in supporting local employment, investment and community wellbeing.

The Active Spaces Lead is a key role within the Economic Development team, responsible for advancing Council's vision for thriving activity centres and supporting the economic vitality of local businesses and places.

The role has responsibility for Council's Active Spaces and Business Support programs and works across a broad portfolio of economic development, activation and partnership initiatives.

Working with businesses, property owners, community organisations and government partners, the position helps translate Council's strategic objectives into practical initiatives that strengthen local economies, encourage investment and enhance the appeal of Darebin's activity centres.

You will

• Deliver place-based economic development outcomes.
• Lead business support initiatives.
• Grow and evolve the Active Spaces program.
• Build strong partnerships.
• Influence strategic decision-making.
• Deliver successful projects and programs.

About you

You are a commercially minded project leader who enjoys turning ideas into tangible outcomes.

You understand that successful place-based economic development relies on bringing together businesses, property owners, community organisations and government partners around a shared vision, then maintaining momentum to deliver results.

You are equally comfortable thinking strategically and working through delivery challenges on the ground.

You can identify opportunities, build support, navigate complexity and keep projects moving in environments where competing priorities and perspectives are common.

Experience and capability

• You will bring experience and capability in several of the following areas:
• Delivering complex projects, programs or initiatives that have achieved measurable economic, business, community or place-based outcomes.
• Building productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external partners and maintaining credibility with senior decision-makers.
• Influencing and negotiating with stakeholders who have different interests while finding practical solutions and shared outcomes.
• Developing business cases, funding applications, reports or strategic recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Identifying emerging opportunities, analysing issues and translating insights into practical actions.
• Managing multiple priorities, budgets, timelines and competing demands while maintaining a focus on results.
• Communicating clearly and confidently, whether facilitating workshops, engaging local businesses, presenting to leadership teams or preparing written reports.
• Working in economic development, placemaking, urban regeneration, business support, community development, planning, activation, marketing, events or related fields.

Most importantly, you have a track record of delivering outcomes through collaboration, initiative and sound judgement.

You know how to move projects from concept to implementation, and you can demonstrate the impact your work has achieved for businesses, communities or places.

We recognise that great candidates do not always meet every preference listed in a position description.

If your experience aligns with the outcomes we are seeking and you can demonstrate your ability to build partnerships, deliver projects and create positive economic or community outcomes, we encourage you to apply.

Why Darebin?

Darebin City Council is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

We proudly serve one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, and we know that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.

We offer

• A supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• A workplace that values collaboration, integrity, respect and creativity
• The chance to make a real difference

Applications close on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 11:30pm.

Applications will be reviewed during the advertising period so if you’re interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to get your application in as early as possible.

For a confidential discussion about the role and the opportunity, contact Helen Myers via email ***********@Darebin. vic. gov. au or mobile 0477 783 ***.

Should you need reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs, please get in contact with us and advise how we can best support you.

Pre-employment Checks

Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.

To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards.

All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.

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