Executive Director, DEECA Regions

About the role

As the the Executive Director, DEECA Regions, you will provide stewardship and coordination of DEECA's regional directorates and provide strategic oversight of integrated, place-based design and delivery of programs, projects and services across Victoria's regions.

You will work collaboratively with other parts of DEECA and will be accountable for strengthening the role of the regional directorates as the Department's innovative community engagement arm, building on their current strengths in place-based delivery and engagement. This will be a critical enabler for delivering the Department's important role in leading on climate action, energy transition and self-determination for Victoria's First Peoples. As part of this, the Executive Director, DEECA Regions will identify and implement changes to achieve greater consistency, clarity and effiencies in DEECA's regional model - both across the department and for external stakeholders. This will also include oversight of activity to build greater consistency in a regional culture of service excellence, performance and continuous improvement, ensuring excellence in business and operational management for strategic planning, and program design and delivery.

This role requires leadership skills, experience working with a range of stakeholders across regional Victoria and a substantial record of achievement and exercising sound judgement. You regard your political acumen and interpersonal skills as key strengths and enjoy the challenges and rewards which come from leading a high-profile portfolio and building trust and credibility with Ministerial offices and the community. You will be committed to innovation in service delivery and to creating workplace cultures that are collaborative and supportive. You will have experience in managing multiple perspectives when assessing and aligning strategic priorities for the department and community and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and operating effectively in an environment of change and ambiguity.

About you:

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Experience as a senior leader with a proven record of success working in a large, complex organisation and leading change management and improvement initiatives.
• Experienced in working closely with community groups, Ministers and/or multiple stakeholders and an understanding of the processes and levers that apply to Government is highly desirable.

About the Group

The Regions, Environment, Climate Action, and First Peoples Group (RECAFP) is the home of DEECA's expertise on climate action, the circular economy, environment protection and the management of natural and built assets on public land across Victoria. The RECAFP Group provides advice to the Victorian government on the policy settings, programs and initiatives which will further the implementation of DEECA's state-wide objectives in the environment and climate action portfolios.

Through its network of regional directorates, the RECAFP Group provides integrated, place-based design and delivery of programs, projects, and services across departmental portfolios. It is also responsible for leading DEECA's self-determination reform agenda with a particular focus on developing cultural capability, creating a culturally safe working environment, and improving employment opportunities for Aboriginal Victorians across the department.

Working across DEECA, with portfolio agencies, regional communities, service delivery partners, other external stakeholders and ministers the RECAFP Group supports the delivery of services and outcomes for government and Victorian communities.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of up to 5 years. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Carolyn Jackson, Deputy Secretary RECAFP on or email

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 9 November 2025

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check

• have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not

• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.