Synopsis
Full time Executive position
$195K - $220K TRP (negotiable, dependent on experience)
Directly impact homelessness in the City of Melbourne
Lead a fantastic dedicated team
About The Role
The Head of Homelessness leads City of Melbourne's strategic response to homelessness, driving delivery of Council's endorsed Homelessness Strategy 2024–2030 and contributing to the Council Plan 2025–2029.
Reporting to the Director of Community Development, this role provides strategic, organisational, financial and people leadership to ensure high-impact programs, services and partnerships that improve housing outcomes across the housing spectrum in the City of Melbourne.
You will lead a high-performing team and work closely with internal and external stakeholders including the Victorian Government (Homes Victoria), neighbouring inner-metro councils, community housing organisations, homelessness service providers and the not-for-profit and private sectors.
A Little More About The Role
Provide strategic leadership and direction for Council's Homelessness Strategy and associated action plans
Lead governance, organisational and financial management of the Homelessness Team, including major contracted homelessness services
Ensure services and programs deliver outcomes aligned to Council priorities, supported by robust data, insights and trend analysis
Build strong internal capability and organisational understanding of homelessness-related issues
Develop and maintain influential relationships with government, sector and industry stakeholders to drive advocacy and system-level change
Lead complex, high-profile projects including service coordination initiatives and major service contracts
Provide strategic advice to the Director of Community Development and contribute to whole-of-Council priorities
Why join Team Melbourne?
Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.
At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you'll help deliver what's most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.
We're proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.
This is more than just a role – it's your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne's future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
About You
You are a senior leader with proven experience operating in complex, political and high-profile environments. You bring strong strategic thinking, people leadership and stakeholder management skills, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
We encourage applications from people with professional or lived experience of homelessness, housing insecurity or related social services, and recognise the unique insight this brings to shaping better outcomes.
What your experience might look like - Key Selection Criteria
Demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring and accountability
Highly developed analytical and lateral thinking skills and the ability to take the initiative, drive change and implement innovations.
Proven ability to develop, operationalise and embed strategy in complex systems
Strong financial and business planning capability, including budget and resource management
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills
Experience managing complex service delivery, contracts and partnerships
A collaborative leadership style with the ability to work across organisational boundaries
Significant experience and proven achievement in developing, operationalising and embedding strategy both internally and external facing, within a complex environment.
Proven ability to formulate strategic direction, deliver operational and business outcomes and lead change within a complex, political and high-profile organisation.
Benefits Of Working With Us
Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.
Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.
Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.
Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.
How To Apply
We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role As part of your application, you will be required to:
Attach your updated resume
Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role.
Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Sunday, March 1st, 2026.
A few important things to note – don't miss out
Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can't accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
Apply early This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don't wait to get your application in.
We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.
Need more info?
Refer to the position description below or contact Naarah Haime, Talent Acquisition Partner -
Inclusion matters
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.
We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you're contacted for an interview.