Manager - Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Program

**About this role**:

- **Full time ongoing position (part-time considered)**:

- **Salary range: $138,909 - $162,060 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging**:

- **Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model**:

- **Location: You can work from various VLA office locations, but you will need to attend the Melbourne CBD office regularly**

**About the role**
Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is centred upon improving access to legal services for First Nations People and advocate for systemic change.

In this role, you will oversee our Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer (ACEO) program at a state-wide level, leading a team of ACEOs located in VLA's Mildura, Morwell, Shepparton, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat offices, with further expansion planned in the future.

Reporting to the Director, First Nations Services, you will work closely to develop and implement effective monitoring and reporting processes and support the integration and management of ACEOs within local VLA teams.

As part of the First Nations leadership team, you will contribute to the development of VLA strategies and initiatives, driven through the RAP, to positively engage with and improve the experience of First Nations people and their communities.

You will build collaborative working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders such as Aboriginal justice, legal and related networks, and VLA local management.
- 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 with_ _regular travel to regional areas across Victoria._

**About you**
- Lived experience working with First Nations peoples and a good understanding of their culture and the challenges they face, especially in legal matters.
- Experienced in leading diverse teams, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and support staff.
- Ability to establish and maintain strong, respectful relationships with internal staff, external partners, community organisations, and First Nations clients.
- Ability to manage time well, meet deadlines, and supports others in managing their workload.
- Good at planning and organizing work, managing deadlines, and helping others do the same.
- Commitment to improving legal outcomes and access to services for First Nations people, with a genuine motivation to make a positive impact.

**About Victoria Legal Aid**
We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

**Employee benefits**
- Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
- Hybrid work from home & office model
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
- Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club(and salary package the cost)
- Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
- Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

**How to apply**
To be considered for this role, please submit your current **resume** and a **cover letter.**

**Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 1 September 2025.**

**Other relevant information**

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

**Job details**:
**Job Reference**:

- VG/VLA/FNS/1879517

**Location**:

- Melbourne - CBD

**Work Type**:

- Ongoing - full time or part time

**Job Function**:

- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

**Classification**:

- WVR 5.2 - 52AO8C

**Salary Range**:

- $138,909 - $162,060

**Job Duration**:

- Ongoing

**Date posted**:

- 15-Aug-2025

**Application Close Date**:

- 01-Sep-2025