Director, Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

An exciting leadership opportunity exists as the Director, Office of Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

As Director, Office of Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, you will perform a critical role in leading a high-performing branch in First Peoples - State Relations to support a statutory entity. You will demonstrate strong leadership and strategic direction with respect to the effective operation of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, particularly in relation to the functions of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (Council), providing high quality support to the Council.

The First Peoples - State Relations Group recognises the invaluable contribution of existing Aboriginal staff and is committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership as reflected in the Group's executive team. The Group welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strongly encourages all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in this position to apply.

About you

As our ideal candidate you will have:

• Demonstrated experience working at a senior level with Traditional Owners and First Nations communities and organisations is essential.
• Knowledge and understanding of Traditional Owner rights, and Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation and frameworks relevant to Victoria is highly desirable.
• A relevant teritary qualification in law, humanities, public policy or related field is highly desirable
• Proven influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills in an environment requiring highly developed interpersonal skills, and a proven capacity for highly effective communication with a range of government and non-government stakeholder.
• Demonstrated effective people management to support and create the conditions for highly-functioning, productive and engaged teams.
• Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills. Moves senior stakeholders in new directions using strong negotiation techniques in contentious situations to settle differences and achieve program outcomes.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead a range of complex projects through partnerships with people across policy and business areas, functions and departments, including those of a whole-of- government nature, and deliver timely and high-quality outcomes.

For more details regarding this position, please see attached position description for the key selection criteria to address in application.

The closing date for this position is Wednesday, 22 October 2025.

How to apply:

Apply before the advertised closing date, all applications should include:

• a resume
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.

DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.