Manager - Strategic Advocacy and Policy

**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**

**About the role**
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is looking for a strong First Nations leader to guide our work in advocacy, reform, and community engagement.

As the Manager - Strategic Advocacy and Policy, you will play an important role in making sure that First Nations voices, experiences, and priorities are central to our advocacy and legal reform work.

You will:

- Lead strategic projects that drive change, including responding to recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
- Build strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, working together to develop shared advocacy goals.
- Provide expert cultural and strategic advice to help shape VLA's policies, services, and reform work.
- Work with community to gather and share lived experience stories (with consent) to support law reform efforts.

This role is an opportunity to lead meaningful work that supports self-determination, community-led advocacy, and long-term structural change.
- This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. _

**About you**
- Lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, with deep knowledge of your community, culture, and the impacts of the legal system.
- Strong skills in building relationships, working in partnership, and influencing change.
- Experience leading projects or services that put people and culture first.
- Clear communication skills - written and spoken - and the ability to explain complex ideas in plain language.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage priorities.
- A strong understanding of VLA's work or a willingness to learn and commit to our values.

**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 25 August 2025.**

**Other relevant information**

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

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

- VG/VLA/FNS/1877958

**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**:

- 11-Aug-2025

**Application Close Date**:

- 25-Aug-2025