Sport and Recreation Development Officer

About the role

Merri-bek City Council is recruiting a Sport and Recreation Development Officer (job No MER856) based in Coburg. The role helps local sport and recreation clubs thrive by building strong relationships with clubs, associations and community groups, giving them specialist advice and practical support. It is a full-time permanent position (about 35 hours per week) with hybrid working, fortnightly RDO, and a salary of $86k-$97k plus super.

Key responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with sporting clubs, associations and community groups, advising them on governance, sustainability and inclusive environments.
• Turn community needs into opportunities for more people to take part in sport and physical activity.
• Work with clubs, State Sporting Associations, government and Council teams to address barriers to participation and promote fair access, especially for communities highlighted in Merri-bek's Human Rights and Equity work.
• Contribute to recreation planning, policy development and key projects, including Active Merri-bek and participation by people traditionally under-represented in sport.

Required profile

• A relevant tertiary qualification, or significant experience in sport or recreation management, community development or a related field.
• Strong experience collaborating with sporting clubs, community groups and internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience helping clubs strengthen governance, policies, practices and long-term sustainability.
• Commitment to social justice and equitable access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities, migrant, refugee and faith communities, and women, girls and gender-diverse communities.
• Understanding of child safety and wellbeing requirements in sport and recreation.
• Current Victorian driver's licence and a current Working with Children Check.

Required skills

• Sound understanding of community recreation, community development, inclusion, participation and sport and recreation planning.
• Communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills, with strong planning, evaluation, time-management and organisational skills.

What we offer

• Fortnightly RDO and salary sacrifice options.
• Training and career development, employer-supported study assistance and wellness programs.
• Flexible work options and up to 20 weeks primary and 5 weeks secondary parental leave.
• Purchase leave, ceremonial leave, gender affirmation leave and family violence leave.

Applications close on 18 November 2026 and must be submitted online through the council's recruitment system, with a CV and cover letter; applicants may be asked to attach their driver's licence, WWCC and first aid and CPR certificate.