Community Development Advisor

About the role

Selwyn District Council is seeking a full‑time, permanent Community Development Advisor to work directly with local communities. The role focuses on empowering groups to design and deliver their own initiatives, events, and projects, helping to build a more connected and resilient district.

Key responsibilities

• Support and empower community groups to lead initiatives that foster connection and resilience.
• Coordinate a calendar of events, campaigns, and workshops.
• Facilitate volunteers and community development agencies.
• Promote and manage funding opportunities for clubs, groups, and businesses.
• Build relationships with key partners, networks, and communities of interest.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure an inclusive district where everyone feels they belong.
• Provide one‑to‑one and group training to develop local groups' skills and knowledge.

Required profile

• Practical, people‑focused, and passionate about community development.
• Confident delivering projects on the ground and turning ideas into action.
• Ability to establish and maintain key networks and relationships.
• Strong customer focus and ability to engage with diverse populations.
• Independent worker with good presentation skills.
• Sound judgement, analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape how the council works with communities.
• Supportive environment that values creativity and relationship‑building.
• Full‑time permanent role based in Rolleston with occasional evenings and weekends.