Director, First Peoples Policy and Programs

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $290,601 - $419,000

Grade: VPS SES2

Occupation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/1882080

The Director, First Peoples Policy and Programs leads the development and delivery of policies, programs, and partnerships that ensure First Nations perspectives are represented in the future of Victoria's energy transmission network, and advance Victoria's reconciliation journey.

VicGrid is where you want to be

If you want to do work that matters, then this is the place to be. VicGrid has been established to ensure Victoria has the infrastructure in place to transition to renewable energy.

Elevate your career in renewable energy and help preserve the world around us for future generations.

VicGrid is leading the charge in delivering ground-breaking projects across Victoria.

The Opportunity

The Director, First Peoples Policy and Programs leads the development and delivery of policies, programs, and partnerships that ensure First Nations perspectives are represented in the future of Victoria's energy transmission network, and advance Victoria's reconciliation journey. Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategy and Planning, this critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring alignment of VicGrid's programs with Closing the Gap targets and Victorian Government commitments including in relation to Treaty and Voice to Parliament.

This position is classified as an "identified position" and requires that the candidate understands the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and possess key technical proficiencies to design and deliver Aboriginal policies and programs. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

What you will deliver

• Managing a centralised team to plan, design, deliver and oversee all culturally responsive First Peoples policies, programs and initiatives across VicGrid, ensuring outcomes are grounded in self-determination and cultural integrity.
• Establish and maintain trusted, long-term relationships and partnering with First Nations communities, Elders, Traditional Owner groups, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners to support genuine co-design and shared decision-making around Victorian energy projects, policies and regulations, including those related to connections in and out of the newly established Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).

What you will bring

• Demonstrated understanding of the historical, social, and political context affecting First Peoples in Victoria and nationally, including Closing the Gap, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and treaty and truth-telling processes.
• Proven ability to design and implement First Nations-led policy, programs, and reform initiatives, grounded in cultural safety, co-design, and place-based engagement approaches.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Careers.Vic jobs board platform.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.

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

How to Apply

This is a fixed term position available on a three year fixed term contract. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, with some overnight travel. Hybrid work arrangements available.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday, 11 September 2025.

Applications close Thursday 11 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

28 August 2025