Manager, Strategy and Engagement

Manager, Strategy and Engagement

• Salary: $138,631 - $185,518 (Plus Superannuation)
• Fixed term role to 20 March 2026
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: Level 35/121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (flexibility may be available)

This is a prioritised position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in accordance with the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration for this role.

As a Manager, Strategy and Engagement, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Yuma Yirramboi Council and its supporting structures. This role is critical in strengthening the Department's governance and engagement with Aboriginal communities through culturally informed and accountable partnership mechanisms.

You will work closely with the Department's senior executives, as well as senior leaders across government, to ensure partnership structures uphold the principles of self-determination as set out in the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework and are aligned with the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy. A key responsibility of the role is to champion strong Aboriginal representation and influence in decision-making processes, ensuring that the Department's strategic policy and governance frameworks embed First Peoples\' priorities.

• Lead and manage the Department's Aboriginal Partnership Entity and its supporting structures ensuring it abides by the principles of self-determination underpinned by the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework.
• Ensure effective decision-making by the Partnership Entity and its supporting structures in the development and implementation of the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy, including regular review and renewal of the Terms of Reference of these structures.
• Work across the Department to develop and manage effective reporting and accountability measures which will be made available to the Partnership Entity and its supporting structures.
• Develop and maintain highly effective collaborative working relationships across Aboriginal stakeholder groups, branches, sectors, portfolios and government (including local, state and Commonwealth).
• Drive the development of a strong Partnership Entity and its supporting structures using continuous improvement in order to drive quality outcomes for the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• Prepare and provide strategic advice and highly complex reports, submissions, briefing papers, correspondence to senior management, Executive and Ministers on matters relevant to progressing Aboriginal employment and economic development, including sensitive matters.

The position of Manager, Strategy and Engagement will work across Aboriginal Economic Development branch, which sits within Economic Policy, Projects and Coordination group.

The Economic Policy, Projects and Coordination (EPPC) group brings together advanced capabilities in economics and public policy, data and modelling, program design and evaluation, project management, delivery and assurance. EPPC group works in partnership across the department, bringing a deep understanding of the Victorian economy, expertise in policy, program design and continuous improvement to provide a sound platform for new initiatives. EPPC group provides leadership in economic policy, including input to the Victorian Government's economic strategy. We also play a significant coordination role, providing central line of sight to enable crosscutting initiatives to be developed and delivered successfully.

EPPC group has portfolio responsibilities for Aboriginal economic development. We drive the implementation of the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy – a coordinated plan to support parity in economic opportunities, prosperity and social outcomes for Victoria's Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal culture and language are central to the strategy's aspirations, and we work to strengthen these through structured investment and capacity building. Our commitment to the Treaty process, including work to get the department Treaty ready, will enable valuable contributions to state-wide Treaty negotiations.

To be successful in this role you will have the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrated specialist knowledge, experience and understanding of the Victorian Koori community and proven experience in working with the Victorian Aboriginal community, including experience in establishment of effective partnership structures.
• Stakeholder Skills: Proven record of achievement in developing, implementing and supporting stakeholder engagement in order to support effective and innovative Aboriginal partnership structures or similar initiatives.
• Influence and Negotiation: Highly developed stakeholder relationship skills at senior levels, including public, community, industry and private sector groups, to create linkages within and across sectors to develop shared solutions and innovative approaches.
• Communication Skills: High level communication skills, ability to present, influence outcomes, gain cooperation and undertake complex negotiations, and experience in the preparation of reports, briefs and recommendations.
• Conceptual and Analytical Ability: Sound judgement, advanced analytical skills together with high-level negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to articulate issues at senior levels in the public and private sectors and to manage complex issues.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Zach Martin-Dennis, Director, Treaty, Truth and Self-determination on 0459 923 441.

The department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

Please note: We are accredited as a Disability Confident Recruitment (DCR) organisation and committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Recruitment Team on 0472875685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line. For additional contact details for our team please review the attached Position Description, located under Job Attachments in the right hand menu.

Please click the 'Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and cover letter.

For the purpose of employment in Aboriginal Designated or Aboriginal Prioritised positions within the Victorian public sector, candidates will be asked to provide Confirmation of Aboriginality. This can be confirmed by a Confirmation of Aboriginality form signed by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and affixed with the common seal of that organisation. Recognising that access to formal Confirmation of Aboriginality documents can occasionally be problematic, an alternative process can be discussed.

Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday, 14 September 2025.