• Maximum term position up to 30 January 2027
• Salary range: $170,181 - $186,421 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

ABOUT YOU

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in community organizations, public or legal sectors, with a track record of delivering strategic priorities and diverse projects.
• Experience in leading high-performing teams, managing budgets, and evaluating service delivery.
• Strong background in system design and delivery of complex projects or planning activities.
• Exceptional ability to manage senior stakeholders, balance competing demands, and influence decision-makers.
• Qualifications and/or demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in working with First Nations people in legal or a community service-related areas such as family violence, mental health, community services, housing and homelessness, drug and alcohol and youth issues (mandatory).
• Tertiary qualification in law, public policy, or a related field, or equivalent work experience (mandatory).

Don’t meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you’re excited about this role but your CV doesn’t align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking an Associate Director to lead the strategic planning of the First Nations Services team and key strategic projects. First Nations Services is a newly formed directorate that leads projects and initiatives that aim to address systemic racism and disadvantage to improve access to justice. This is a key leadership role that will help drive important changes in how we deliver legal services to First Nations communities.

As the Associate Director, you’ll:

• Work with the Executive Director to lead the First Nations Services team, including managing the Policy and Projects team. You’ll provide guidance and support to staff working on strategic initiatives.
• Oversee and help develop projects that improve how we deliver legal services for First Nations people, including finding ways to innovate and improve services.
• Provide advice on strategy, risk, and policy for First Nations Services.
• Work to create a workplace where First Nations staff feel supported, heard, and respected.

This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country, but we welcome applications from candidates outside the Melbourne metro area.