MANAGER SPORT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Personnel Area: Community and the Arts Services

Branch: Sport & Recreation

Duration: Contract – 4 years

Brisbane City Council is seeking an experienced executive leader to take on the role of Manager, Sport and Community Partnerships. This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for shaping how Council manages and activates a significant portfolio of leased community assets and partners with the sport and community sector to deliver strong community outcomes across Brisbane.

Our Business  

The Community and the Arts Services Group plays a central role in building an inclusive, active and connected Brisbane by delivering cultural, recreational and community services that support wellbeing, celebrate diversity and strengthen community pride. Through various branches we oversee the planning, operation and stewardship of hundreds of community assets, both Council‑managed and leased, while also delivering community development programs and partnerships. The Group focuses on safe, high‑quality venues, strong governance, effective leasing and asset management, and continuous improvement to maximise community value and align services with Council’s strategic objectives. 

Our Branch 

The Sport and Recreation branch within Community and the Arts Services supports an active, healthy and connected Brisbane by enabling community participation in sport and active lifestyles. The branch delivers inclusive sport and recreation programs, manages and supports access to sporting and recreation spaces, and works closely with clubs, organisations and partners through funding, advocacy and strategic support. Its focus is on providing safe, accessible and community‑responsive opportunities that promote wellbeing, social connection and long‑term sustainability across Brisbane’s diverse neighbourhoods. 

About the role

Reporting to the General Manager, Sport and Recreation, you will lead a large and complex portfolio that supports community wellbeing and participation through sport and recreation. A core focus of the role is the strategic management and utilisation of Council’s extensive portfolio of leased community and sporting facilities, including Council’s network of aquatic centres.

The role has a strong city‑wide focus and works closely with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

As an executive leader, you will model Council’s leadership values, drive continuous improvement and ensure services and assets are managed sustainably, transparently and in line with Council priorities.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• provide executive leadership and strategic direction for Council’s sport and recreation programs
• lead the management and utilisation of a large portfolio of leased community and sporting assets, ensuring strong governance, performance and value for money outcomes
• build and strengthen partnerships with sporting organisations, clubs, peak bodies and commercial operators to support participation and asset activation
• lead delivery of Council strategies, including aquatics and community sport priorities
• oversee significant budgets, with accountability for financial sustainability and commercial outcomes
• provide high‑level advice to senior executives and Councillors on complex asset, partnership and service issues
• lead and develop high‑performing multidisciplinary teams in a complex, customer‑focused environment
• champion innovation, service excellence and continuous improvement across the portfolio.

To be successful you will have:

• demonstrated experience managing large and complex portfolios of leased or contracted assets, ideally in a public sector or similarly regulated environment
• strong strategic capability, with the ability to balance community outcomes, commercial considerations and risk
• a proven track record in building effective partnerships and influencing diverse stakeholders
• strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing significant budget and lease‑related decisions
• knowledge of and experience in governance, including well-developed knowledge of risk management (particularly work health and safety) 
• highly developed leadership skills, with the ability to lead change and build a values‑based culture
• strong communication skills and confidence engaging at executive and government levels.

Experience in the sport and/or community sector is well regarded but not essential. Executives with transferable experience in asset‑intensive, community‑facing or partnership‑driven portfolios are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits of working for Council: CLICK HERE

How to apply:  Click on the 'I’m interested' button to complete your online application. Please upload your tailored resume and covering letter (of no more than one page) demonstrating your suitability to the position.

Due to the requirements of this role a criminal history and business checks may be undertaken on preferred applicants. A criminal history does not necessarily preclude an applicant from appointment.

For more information: Please call Andrew Mead on 07 3403 0002.

Application Closing Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 11:55pm AEST.

Brisbane City Council is a multi-award winning accessible and inclusive workplace where our people represent the diverse communities we serve, are supported, and can feel safe. Council has been awarded Employer of the Year at the National Disability Awards and has been recognised multiple times with ‘Gold Employer’ status from the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI inclusion.