Are you ready to be a part of something exceptional? Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

As the Community Engagement and Programming Lead, you will lead a team of programmers that develop, coordinate and execute a wide range of programmes and initiatives that connect the library with our diverse community. You will be responsible for creating dynamic and meaningful public programmes to meet the needs of the community while seeking new community partnerships, playing a pivotal part in enhancing the library's role as a cultural hub and community resource.

This is a permanent full-time position to be worked according to a five-week rotating roster which includes some weekend work.

What you'll do:

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Build strong relationships with community organisations, schools, businesses, and individuals.
• Oversee the creation planning, and implementation of a diverse range of public programmes, events, and activities that align with the library's mission and community interests.
• Ensure that programmes and initiatives are inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to all community members.
• Contribute to customer enquiries, reader's advisory and rostered duties as required. This includes supervision of rostered weekend shifts.

What you'll bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Library Science, education, curation or equivalent.
• At least five years' experience in a senior library role.
• Proven experience in programme development and community engagement.
• Familiarity with local community dynamics and demographics, current library and information technology trends and emerging digital resources
• Understanding of educational delivery and curriculum development.

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

The Invercargill City Council is committed to the wellbeing and protection of children, the elderly and vulnerable adults. As a component of this role involves interaction with one or more of the above groups, as part of the assessment of candidates, we will require Police Vetting as per the Children's Act 2014 and a Pre-employment Alcohol and Drug Screening test to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our customers and members of the public.

For more information, please see the full position description or contact the Invercargill City Council on (03) 211 1777.

Apply online at Jobs - Invercargill City Council. Please don't apply directly via SEEK as we won't receive your application.

Applications close 26 October 2025. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Successful applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be reviewed, first priority will be given to those applicants who are currently