Community Development & Grants Manager

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Help shape the future of our community.

At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is simple but powerful: to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. We’re striving to become Aotearoa’s leading community‑focused council, one that partners effectively with Maaori and our diverse communities to unlock Hamilton’s full potential and make it the best place to live.

We’re looking for an inspirational Community Development & Grants Manager to lead our Community Development team and play a key role in shaping strategic outcomes for our city.

Sitting within the Partnerships, Communication and Maaori Group, this is a pivotal leadership position focused on empowering our communities, strengthening partnerships, and delivering key initiatives that support Hamilton’s social wellbeing.

You will lead a team of eight and be responsible for driving community development outcomes, administering and enhancing our community grants programme, and presenting key insights and reports to Council.

This role also holds responsibility as the Local Welfare Manager for Hamilton City, ensuring we are ready and able to support our people in times of need.

What you’ll be doing

Leadership

• Provide inspirational leadership and direction to the Community Development team.
• Set priorities, develop capability, and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Promote and model our Council vision, values, and behaviours.

Community Impact & Service Delivery

• Oversee delivery of community development initiatives and strategic projects.
• Lead the development and review of community plans.
• Manage the Council’s Community Grants Programme, ensuring strong policy and effective administration.

Relationships & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key partners, iwi/Maaori, community organisations, and external stakeholders.
• Leverage partnerships to advance the Community and Social Development Strategy.

Strategic & Financial Management

• Use local social data insights to identify wellbeing trends and influence meaningful change.
• Monitor and report on performance across relevant strategies and plans.
• Ensure financial accountability and compliance with internal and external requirements.

Civil Defence

• Serve as Local Welfare Manager and chair the Local Welfare Committee.
• Maintain preparedness by ensuring staff training, responding to incidents, and overseeing welfare responsibilities.

We’re looking for someone who strives to be their best, uplifts others, and thrives in a dynamic, community‑focused environment.

You’ll join a team that cares deeply about community wellbeing, where your work will directly create positive change for the people of Kirikiriroa.

Ready to make a real impact?

Apply today and help us build a thriving, inclusive, and connected Hamilton!

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• A tertiary qualification in social sciences, management, or a related field.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire and guide people through change.
• Strong project and time management skills, with a track record of delivering outcomes.
• Excellent relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and communication abilities, including high‑quality report writing.
• Good understanding and practical application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Experience working in local government is desirable but not essential.
• Adaptability, innovation, and the ability to work confidently in ambiguity.
• A collaborative, team‑oriented mindset.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $130K dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 21/04/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.