Walgett Shire Council

Grants Specialist

• Transformative opportunity in a newly established position.
• Fully remote, hybrid or onsite considered.
• Elevate your career within a highly regarded organisation.
• Attractive remuneration package which ranges between $1,583.88 - $2,141.42 per week plus 11% superannuation.
• Generous benefits, including five weeks of annual leave, long service leave after five years, flex leave arrangements, and more!

About us:

Walgett Shire Council proudly serves a diverse and unique region in the heart of outback New South Wales. Covering over 22,000 square kilometres, the Shire includes the towns of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, and Collarenebri, along with the villages of Carinda, Cumborah, Rowena, and Burren Junction, as well as expansive rural areas. With a population of approximately 7,000, the Shire supports key industries such as agriculture, grazing, grain handling, opal mining, and tourism.

Nestled at the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers, Walgett is rich in history and natural beauty. Once a bustling paddle-steamer port, it is now the northern gateway to the iconic Darling River Run, offering breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to Australia’s heritage.

Just an hour north, Lightning Ridge is famed for its vibrant opal mining culture and distinctive outback charm. Whether it’s fossicking for opals, exploring underground art galleries, soaking in naturally heated artesian springs, or enjoying the tranquility of river fishing, the region offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore. For more information about Walgett and the Lightning Ridge area, please click here.

About the role:

Walgett Shire Council is offering a unique opportunity to take on the newly created role of Grants Specialist. As a pivotal member of the Council's team, you will drive the development of the Grants function, ensuring alignment with Council’s strategic objectives.

This role goes beyond traditional funding of grants - it is about shaping the future requirements of the Council in a dynamic and evolving environment. You will play a critical role in identifying, securing, and managing grant funding to support Council’s strategic and operational priorities. This role is responsible for the full lifecycle of grants - from research and writing applications, to managing grant agreements, ensuring compliance, acquittals, and milestone reporting.

The position works across the Council to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and monitor grant performance to ensure successful delivery and reporting.

The Grants Specialist also provides strategic advice on grant alignment to budget and program goals and supports long-term planning for projects. This role operates with a high level of autonomy and proactively leads Council’s grant acquisition and management function. 

If you are passionate about leading change, influencing culture, and making a meaningful impact on both the organisation and the community, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.

About you:

• Demonstrated experience in successful grant or funding submissions in a government, not-for-profit, or complex organisational setting.
• Strong understanding of government funding programs, eligibility requirements, and grant acquittal processes.
• Excellent writing and research skills, with the ability to produce persuasive, accurate, and well-structured submissions under tight timeframes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple grants concurrently, including reporting obligations and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Proven project coordination experience including the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and reporting cycles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders.
• High-level attention to detail, analytical thinking, and commitment to compliance.
• Experience preparing financial reports and working closely with finance teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite and experience working with funding or project tracking systems.
• Understanding of risk management and procurement processes.

At Walgett Shire Council, we understand that not every candidate will meet every criterion, and that is perfectly fine—your passion and potential matter most to us.

The full position description can be viewed by clicking here.

For further information or discussion about the position, contact our Interim General Manager, Andrew Brown, on 02 6828 6100 during business hours.

What we offer:

• A highly competitive total remuneration package between $1,583.88 - $2,141.42 per week plus 11% superannuation.
• Relocation assistance and subsidised housing to support your transition or travel to the region.
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Generous benefits, including five weeks of annual leave and long service leave after five years.
• Flex-time arrangements, promoting a healthy work/life balance.
• Professional development opportunities to support your growth and success.
• Employee Assistance Program available to support you and your family through all life’s challenges.
• Exceptional working conditions within a family-friendly and supportive environment.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the instructions below, where you will be diverted to our website and requested to complete the selection criteria and attach your resume and cover letter. All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be forwarded via email.

1. Complete the information below as requested
2. Click ‘NEXT’
3. Attach your resume and cover letter
4. Click ‘NEXT’ and ‘CONFIRM’ 

A failure to answer selection criteria and to attach your resume will result in your application being rejected.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council’s People and Culture Team via email peopleandculture@walgett.nsw.gov.au 

Please Note: All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 9.00am on Wednesday 16 April 2025.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.