Community Development Advisor

About the role

Selwyn District Council is seeking a permanent, full-time Community Development Advisor who is enthusiastic about helping communities build their own success. The position centres on working alongside local people and groups to connect, enable, and support their ideas, events, and initiatives.

This is a chance to influence how the Council partners with communities and to contribute to a future where local groups are equipped to lead, grow, and thrive.

The role is based in Rolleston and works Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work will be part of the position.

Key responsibilities

• Encourage and support local community groups as they lead initiatives that strengthen connection and resilience.
• Plan and coordinate a programme of events, campaigns, and workshops that engage the community.
• Support and facilitate volunteers involved in community development groups and partner agencies.
• Promote and help administer funding opportunities for community clubs, groups, and businesses.
• Build relationships with key partners, networks, and interest groups across the district.
• Work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including rangatahi, kaumātua, newcomers, and long-term residents.
• Collaborate with internal teams to help make the district a place where everyone feels they belong.
• Help community groups build the skills and knowledge they need, both individually and in group settings, so they can run successful initiatives.

About you

The ideal candidate will be practical, community-minded, and confident working directly with people. You should enjoy bringing ideas into action, building strong relationships, and supporting groups to achieve their own goals rather than doing the work for them.

You will need to connect people, organisations, and groups in ways that encourage collaboration and shared ownership. A large part of the job involves hands-on support for community groups and volunteers, including helping them access grants, tools, and advice. The right person will work in a way that supports community leadership while keeping recognition and ownership with the community.

Working style and conditions

• The position is Monday to Friday and is based in Rolleston.
• Some evening and weekend availability is required.

What we offer

• Flexible working and a strong work-life balance.
• Career coaching and development opportunities.
• Wellbeing leave and volunteer leave.
• Life insurance.
• Up to three paid days off between Christmas and New Year.
• Two weeks of paid partner leave.
• Sick leave available from day one.
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension.
• Discounts with a range of local and national businesses.

About Selwyn District Council

Selwyn is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts, known for its quality of life, strong communities, and growing economy. The Council works with residents to provide the services and facilities that help the district continue to thrive.

The head office is in Rolleston, about 25 km from Christchurch, with access to family-friendly living, local amenities, and easy trips to Canterbury's ski fields, rivers, and hills.

Our values

• Be a good human.
• Be brave and think differently.
• Better together - make it happen for Selwyn.

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The Council honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to working with its Treaty partner to meet its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Who this role suits

This opportunity will appeal to someone who is a relationship builder, a creative thinker, and a hands-on doer who enjoys working with communities to help good ideas become reality.