Service Leader Strategy, Performance and Assurance
DIRECTORATE:
Business, Growth & Community
CLASSIFICATION:
Grade L
SALARY:
$189,317 to $219,608 pa + 12% Employer contribution to superannuation
REPORTING TO:
Deputy CEO Business, Growth & Community
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Permanent Full Time
THE POSITION:
The Service Leader Strategy, Performance and Assurance provides strategic leadership across an expanded portfolio integrating corporate strategy, governance, performance, risk, integrity and assurance functions.
This role consolidates governance, assurance and performance capabilities into a single, integrated portfolio to strengthen organisational oversight, enhance accountability, and enable continuous improvement and sustainable organisational change.
The role is responsible for leading corporate planning (IP&R), performance monitoring, governance frameworks, internal audit, integrity systems (including Code of Conduct and Public Interest Disclosures), and the development of a contemporary assurance framework across the organisation.
The position plays a critical advisory role to the Executive Leadership Team and Council, and Change Leadership Team, ensuring compliance, transparency, ethical conduct and high organisational performance aligned to strategic objectives.
Our Organisation: We are the facilitator of a thriving, resilient and liveable city full of opportunities and the custodians of an environment like no other. We consistently deliver best-in-class leadership, services, facilities and experiences, providing exceptional living for our local community.
Diversity & Inclusion: We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and supported. We encourage applications from all people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people of all ages and identities.
Our Values: These are the ways we work, with each other, with our community, and with our partners. They guide our day-to-day decisions, our culture and our direction. This is how we work together to make it happen.
- Accountability (We Own it): We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, support each other to do the same, and strive to do what's right, even when it's hard.
- Working Together (We Work Together): We support each other, share success, and know that when we work together, we go further.
- Integrity (We Do What's Right): We do the right thing, even when no one is watching. We are honest, transparent and fair.
- Future Focused (We Look Ahead): We think and act long term for a better future for Our People, community and environment.
Live Well Work Well: The health and safety of our people is more than a priority, it's a commitment embedded within our values. Unlike priorities which change over time, our values form the basis for all that we do; they define our purpose and what we stand for. We seek to have a positive impact by developing a holistic wellbeing culture that empowers everyone to be their healthiest and happiest version, resulting in a more engaged and productive workforce with lower incidence of illness and injury.
It is, and always will be, our goal to have a workplace free from harm.
Two Cities One Community: On 13 October 2017 AlburyCity and The City of Wodonga entered into an historic partnership between the two cities. In 2025 both Councils worked together to review and re-commit to the Partnership Agreement.
This partnership is a unique opportunity to develop a way forward that benefits our community as a whole with the aim of improving integration, productivity and social and economic development. It will focus on future growth that will continue to add value to both cities. Through this combined focus, underpinned by four key pillars of; leadership, economy, environment and community, we will unleash our potential and drive innovation for the benefit of the region and the nation.
Our Mission is to work together to achieve our community goals now and into the future. We understand that we are stronger together and can achieve more when working in collaboration. We will build on our current partnerships and shared values for thebetterment of Albury and Wodonga.
Child Safety: AlburyCity is committed to being a child safe organisation and our people support, listen to and empower children and young people. We create safe environments that minimise the risk of harm and we have ZERO tolerance for child abuse, violence and neglect.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal
- Executive Leadership Team
- Audit Risk and Improvement Committee
- Our Councillors
- Our people
External
- Federal and State Government Agencies
- External Auditors
- NSW Government agencies (e.g. Office of Local Government, ICAC, NSW Ombudsman)
- Other Councils
- Community stakeholders
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:
- Based on a 35 hour week, with actual days and times being Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, with an RDO in accordance with AlburyCity's RDO guidelines.
- It is expected that the employee will work those hours necessary to ensure the successful achievement of work outcomes and performance standards.
- Attend Council meetings as needed in accordance with the Council Meeting Cycle.
- Attend meetings and events outside of normal business hours.
This position does not require you to wear a compulsory uniform, however you must follow the dress code requirements within the AlburyCity's Our People Dress Code Standards. Our People are required to present a smart and professional image to the public at all times including when in public and when working remotely. - This position involves working in a predominantly indoor environment and using a computer is considered a core component of the role. There may be occasional visits to other work locations. The position requires an average level of aerobic and physical fitness to undertake occasional physical activities, such as walking and lifting, along with general manual handling tasks as part of a normal working environment. A medical assessment is required for this position.
- This position requires the employee to lodge an annual Pecuniary Interest Return.
- This position is delegated with certain powers, authorities, duties and functions of Council under the AlburyCity Delegations of Authority in accordance with section 378 of the Local Government Act.
- This position is subject to alcohol and other drug testing.
- This position is located at the AlburyCity Administration Building, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury with occasional visits to external sites/depots as required.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Governance, Risk, Finance, Law or related discipline.
- Significant senior leadership experience across governance, strategy, performance or assurance functions.
- Highly developed strategic thinking, analytical and communication skills.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
- Class C Driver's Licence
- Demonstrated experience in leading internal audit and/or assurance frameworks
- Strong knowledge of local government legislative and governance requirements
- Experience managing integrity frameworks including Code of Conduct and complaints
- Experience in Public Interest Disclosure management or similar integrity roles
EXPERIENCE:
- Significant experience in the delivery of strategic, corporate reporting and performance measurement.
- Significant experience in a senior leadership role, covering a broad service area.
SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Comprehensive knowledge of services delivery and management
- A thorough knowledge of Project Management from consultation through to delivery
- Understanding of relevant statutes, legislation and obligations governing Council service delivery.
- A thorough understanding in the following areas
- Governance in a multidisciplinary organisation
- Corporate budget strategy
- Ability to interpret legislation and guidelines
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the Strategy, Performance and Assurance portfolio to deliver integrated planning, governance and assurance outcomes aligned to Council's strategic objectives.
- Provide high-level strategic advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Council on governance, risk, performance and assurance matters.
- Drive a culture of accountability, transparency, integrity and continuous improvement.
Governance and Integrity
- Lead the Governance Team to ensure effective Council and committee operations, including agenda management, reporting, and compliance with legislative requirements.
- Oversee and continuously improve governance frameworks, policies and delegations.
- Act as Council's Public Officer in accordance with the Local Government Act, including maintaining statutory registers and ensuring legislative compliance.
- Coordinate the administration of Council's Code of Conduct, including complaints management, investigations, reporting and compliance requirements.
- Lead organisational integrity systems including Code of Conduct, conflicts of interest, complaints management and ethical decision-making frameworks.
- Act as the PID Coordinator (or equivalent role) and ensure compliance with NSW Public Interest Disclosures legislation, including:
- Receiving, assessing and managing disclosures
- Ensuring confidentiality and protection of disclosers
- Reporting obligations and liaison with oversight bodies
- Promoting a speak-up culture and awareness of PID pathways
Assurance and Audit
- Establish and lead an enterprise-wide Assurance Framework integrating internal audit, external audit and operational assurance activities.
- Oversee the Internal Audit function, ensuring risk-based audit planning and delivery aligned with organisational priorities.
- Coordinate external audit activities and oversee implementation of audit recommendations.
- Provide executive support to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).
- Develop assurance mapping across the organisation to identify gaps, duplication and improvement opportunities.
Risk and Compliance
- Oversee the Enterprise Risk Management Framework including risk identification, assessment, treatment and reporting.
- Ensure integration of risk management into planning, decision-making and performance processes.
- Oversee insurance governance and claims oversight.
- Monitor compliance obligations and regulatory requirements.
Strategy and Performance
- Lead Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) including the Community Strategic Plan and associated strategies.
- Oversee corporate performance measurement, monitoring and reporting frameworks.
- Drive organisational performance improvement initiatives using data and insights.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting to Council, Executive and external stakeholders.
- Oversee the coordination and reporting of the Community Strategic Plan; Albury 2030, and the Two Cities One Community Strategy as well as the organisation's reporting and planning cycle.
Business Improvement and Change
- Lead organisation-wide business improvement initiatives.
- Embed contemporary methodologies (e.g. Lean, continuous improvement, service design).
- Enable sustainable change through structured change management approaches.
- Promote evidence based decision making.
Leadership and Culture
- Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative and values-driven team.
- Build organisational capability in governance, risk, assurance and performance disciplines.
- Foster strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
- Directly responsible and accountable for the Strategy, Performance Cluster functions overall performance and service delivery.
- Provide operational leadership and direction to the Strategy, Performance and Assurance Cluster functions consistent with AlburyCity plans and policies.
- Oversee AlburyCity's Enterprise Risk Management, including framework development, implementation, reporting and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and change priorities.
- Provide strong and effective leadership in the delivery and continuous improvement of services, programs and strategic initiatives across the portfolio.
- Encourage innovation to improve productivity and maximise operating efficiencies through the use of technology, contemporary leadership and adaptable change and transformation practices.
- Develop and maintain customer service commitments including quality of services and response times.
- Coordinate the reporting and legislative requirements of the services.
- Ensure appropriate resource allocation required to deliver services.
- Inspire and lead our people through fostering an innovative, high performing, productive and collaborative culture.
- Enable effective delegation, ensuring communication and shared contributions to promote high level performance and accountability across the Service Cluster and Council.
- Build and maintain networks across the organisation and with external stakeholders to establish effective relationships ensuring a thorough understanding of organisational and community needs and aspirations.
- Foster working relationships with Council, collaborating towards positive outcomes.
- Promote a positive image of AlburyCity and the Strategy, Performance and Assurance Service Cluster.
- Enable effective consultation processes that lead to strategy and plan implementation and programs that meet community and organisation needs.
- Contribute to major decision making processes of the organisation through involvement in committees, working parties and strategic planning projects.
- Regularly review the Service Cluster in accordance with its objectives and budget and where required develop and implement changes to improve efficiencies and capabilities.
- Perform other tasks or duties as directed by the Deputy CEO, which are within the limits of the employee's skill, competence and training.
- Observe requirements of the WHS Legislation, relevant to the job and adhere to AlburyCity Policies and Procedures regarding WHS.
- Observe appropriate AlburyCity Policies and Procedures regarding day to day operations including Equal Employment Opportunity policies, AlburyCity's Dress Code and Standards Policy and AlburyCity's Code of Conduct.
