* Exciting senior leadership opportunity
* Full-time Executive Officer Maximum Term Contract (5 Years)
* Competitive salary package
About The Role
Are you passionate about shaping the future of libraries and lifelong learning? The City of Ballarat is seeking an experienced Executive Manager to manage our Libraries and Lifelong Learning Business Unit. This pivotal role oversees Ballarat's three municipal libraries, community hubs, and Ageing Well services, ensuring they meet community needs and align with Council priorities.
As Executive Manager, You Will
* Lead strategic planning and service development for libraries, lifelong learning, and ageing well programs.
* Drive innovation and best practice in library management and community engagement.
* Build strong partnerships with government, community organisations, and the Central Highlands Library Network.
* Manage budgets, service agreements, and funding submissions to deliver sustainable outcomes.
This is an opportunity to influence community wellbeing and create spaces that inspire learning, connection, and inclusion.
About You
You will be a leader with:
* Tertiary qualifications in Library Services, Community Development, or a related discipline (postgraduate qualifications highly regarded).
* Extensive experience managing public library services and leading diverse teams.
* Strong strategic thinking, financial management, and project delivery skills.
* A collaborative approach to building partnerships and engaging stakeholders.
* Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
* A commitment to customer-centred service and continuous improvement.
Be Part Of Something More
Join us in making a real difference to the lives within our community. Working for City of Ballarat you will be part of a team that values honesty, transparency and accounting in everything we do. We believe in the importance of valuing every Individual and working together to support the community. Together we create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and make a positive impact.
Key Selection Criteria
* Qualifications and experience as listed above.
* Demonstrated ability to champion, model and promote the corporate values and contribute to positive corporate culture.
* Excellent leadership and people management skills, including effective management and motivation of large teams and demonstrated experience in managing change.
* Demonstrated commitment toa customer-centred approach to service delivery.
* Demonstrated ability to work with, lead, motivate and manage a diverse team of professionals, volunteers and partnerships with associated organisations and individuals.
* Ability to develop strong internal and external relationships/partnerships in order to achieve organisational objectives.
* High level written and verbal communication skills along with excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, presentation and consultation skills.
* Strong financial management skills.
* Demonstrated implementation of operational plans to improve health and safety performance.
To Apply
To apply for this position please click on the apply button and submit your application. The closing date for this position is Sunday, 1st February 2026
Please ensure that you provide a cover letter, current resume and answer the key selection criteria.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo a full employment medical and police check.
Contact
For any additional questions, please contact Matthew Wilson, Director Community Wellbeing on
At the City of Ballarat, we celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive, flexible workplace where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. If you need any support during the recruitment process, reach out to us at
We're proud to be a child-safe organisation, committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Our culture promotes their safety and wellbeing, and we require all successful candidates to undergo relevant screening, including a Working with Children Check and criminal history check.