Principal Adviser to the Chief Judge

About Us

Court Services Victoria provides corporate services and facilities to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of Victoria's courts and tribunal, Judicial College and Judicial Commission.

Collectively, Victoria's Supreme, County, Magistrates', Children's, and Coroners courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Judicial College of Victoria, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, and Court Services Victoria (CSV) are referred to as the 'Courts Group'.

Our people enable the Courts Group to deliver on each jurisdiction's own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

CCV

The County Court of Victoria is established pursuant to the County Court Act 1958. It has original and appellate jurisdiction and is the principal trial court in the State of Victoria. The Court hears over 12,000 criminal, common law, and commercial cases each year. The County Court has unlimited monetary jurisdiction in common law and commercial matters. In its criminal jurisdiction, the Court hears all indictable offences except treason, murder, and related offences.

There are a total of 80 Judges of the Court and over 300 staff, including judicial support staff. The County Court regularly conducts circuit sittings at 12 circuit courts situated in major centres throughout regional Victoria.

The County Court is committed to continuous improvement in accordance with the International Framework for Court Excellence. The Court's vision is to be a leader in court excellence, delivering the highest standard of justice to the community and inspiring public confidence in the rule of law.

Position Purpose

The Principal Advisor provides high-level strategic, policy and operational support to the Chief Judge in her capacity as Head of Jurisdiction and a senior leader within Victoria's court system.

This role is critical in enabling the Chief Judge to fulfil her judicial and public leadership responsibilities. It leads the Chief Judge's Chambers and manages a range of complex stakeholder relationships.

Operating with significant autonomy and discretion, the Principal Advisor ensures the effective delivery of the Chief Judge's priorities, supports governance and reform efforts, and contributes to court excellence.

Duties

• Provide expert, evidence-based advice to the Chief Judge across judicial, governance, policy and leadership matters.
• Lead the Chief Judge's Chambers and oversee sensitive projects and strategic initiatives.
• Represent the Court in high-level forums and liaise with Executive Government, the Judiciary, and other senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer to drive the Chief Judge's priorities and maintain momentum across key activities.

About you / Skills and experience

You are an experienced advisor with deep expertise in public policy, governance and administration, and a strong understanding of the Victorian court system.

You are a proven strategic thinker with strong oral and written communication skills.

You can manage complex projects with discretion and bring a systems-thinking approach to problem solving.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders in complex operating environments.
• Proven ability to lead sensitive initiatives and drive strategic outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills.
• A sound understanding of court system governance.
• Extensive experience in senior advisory or leadership roles within the public sector, legal sector or justice system, including working closely with executives, government officials or judicial officers.

Qualifications

A law degree is mandatory and other public sector leadership qualifications are highly desirable, as is work in legal practice and/or the public sector.

How to apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:

• resume
• a short cover letter

Other information

CSV is the employer of staff at Courts Group. CSV has a firm commitment through its Koori Employment Plan to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce.

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and those who are neurodiverse, are encouraged to apply.

We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to email the contact person listed in the advertisement.

As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, we conduct pre-employment checks, including but not limited to, reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially and with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both our candidates and the organisation.