Senior Manager

• Position   : Full time, Ongoing opportunity
• Location  : Preston
• Salary :  $125,000k to $133,000k, plus super and salary packaging is available

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation's visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

Heading the Communications function consisting of the Communications and Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications, you'll lead VACCA's external stakeholder engagement. You will support and guide your teams to build trusted relationships with media, government, VACCA supporters, and other professionals within the sector to build and protect VACCA's reputation and brand.

You'll be responsible for VACCA's stakeholder and community engagement strategy, Public Affairs strategy and Marketing plans to promote VACCA's organisational goals, and build on our advocacy efforts within the community and government to support our vision of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.

About You

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations and/or related field experience
• 5-8 years' experience in a similar role, including demonstrated experience leading or working as a senior media advisor for an organisation, Minister, or large government department
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal affairs, both in a federal and Victorian context, and/or knowledge and understanding of the community services or child and family welfare sector.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing communications teams at a senior level, including mentoring staff, driving performance, and fostering a collaborative team culture
• Sound understanding of the political process across Local, State, and Federal levels, with the ability to navigate political sensitivities and align communications accordingly
• Excellent copywriting skills with the ability to produce high-quality media releases, speeches, and strategic messaging quickly and accurately
• Strong capability in delivering key messages to stakeholders in public settings, including media events, community forums, and executive briefings
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Working with Children's Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended)

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5%  loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume. We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.

Please visit our career website for a position description.

Application closes by October 19, 2025

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy