Manager, Strategy and Engagement

**Manager, Strategy and Engagement**
- _Salary: _$_1_38,631 - $185,518 _(Plus Superannuation)_
- _Fixed term role to 4 February 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)_

**The 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.

**Key accountabilities include**:

- 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 report, submissions, briefing papers, correspondence to senior management, Executive and Ministers on matters relevant to progressing Aboriginal employment and economic development, including sensitive matters.

**The Team**

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.

**About You**

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, in order 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 undertak