Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff

• Lead Strategic Communications
• Melbourne based Executive Leadership Role
• SPEEEC 5 Year Fixed Term

V/Line's purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.

V/Line is experiencing significant growth and we're delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 3100 committed team members who are up to the challenge.

About the role

As Chief of Staff, you'll be the CEO's trusted advisor and strategic partner, driving organisational priorities and shaping V/Line's future. This pivotal role leads the Office of the CEO, providing high-level advice, managing complex issues, and fostering collaboration across the Executive Leadership Team, government, and key stakeholders. You'll oversee policy, strategic initiatives, ministerial and parliamentary services, and communications, ensuring alignment with Victorian Government standards while championing integrity, governance, and performance excellence.

Key accountabilities include:

• Lead the CEO's Office – Build a high-performing team and ensure seamless operations.
• Drive Strategic Priorities – Coordinate initiatives and track delivery of key outcomes.
• Provide Expert Advice – Deliver timely, high-level recommendations on complex issues.
• Manage Government Relations – Oversee ministerial briefings, submissions, and parliamentary matters.
• Engage Stakeholders – Foster strong relationships across government, industry, and community.
• Oversee Communications – Guide corporate communications and engagement strategies.
• Represent the CEO – Attend key meetings and ensure follow-through on decisions.
• Ensure Governance & Performance – Monitor compliance, risk, and organisational performance.
• Lead People & Culture – Coach and develop staff, promoting collaboration and integrity.

About You

You are a strategic thinker with exceptional political and business acumen, able to navigate complex environments and provide trusted advice at the highest level. With outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, you thrive in fast-paced settings and deliver results that shape organisational success.

Our ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Ability to lead and empower a high-performing Office of the CEO team, ensuring exceptional service delivery and alignment with organisational, government, and community expectations.
• Proven capability to collaborate across all leadership levels, managing day-to-day operations, overseeing projects, and driving strategic initiatives for the CEO.
• Expertise in providing high-level strategic advice to the CEO, senior executives, and Ministers on complex and sensitive issues.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and consultation, building consensus with ministerial offices, government agencies, and councils on critical priorities.
• Experience in managing ministerial and parliamentary processes, including preparing cabinet submissions, briefings, and coordinating ministerial actions with a focus on risk and timeliness.
• Ability to shape and enhance communications and engagement strategies to support organisational objectives and reputation.
• Demonstrated leadership that fosters collaboration, ethical behaviour, and alignment with Public Sector Values and the Code of Conduct.

Why V/Line

In addition to free myki travel, we offer:

• Community impact – Make a genuine difference. Work in a role that connects Victorians, every day.
• Huge potential – We're transforming, and you can too. Be a change maker, recognised for your contribution and creativity.
• Dynamic environment – V/Line operates in a constantly changing space. Join a fast-paced and exciting organisation.
• Collaborative team – You'll be part of a broader supportive team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate peers.
• Flexible working – We support flexible working. Work in a way that supports you to thrive in your role.

We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible recruitment experience. If you need any adjustments or have specific accessibility requirements at any stage of the process, please contact our Talent team at or for confidential support.

As an equal opportunity employer, V/Line is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and network that reflects the communities we serve. We accept and value the contributions of all our employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability. We are also proud to be endorsed by Work 180 as a great place for women to work, second year in a row.

We proudly acknowledge First Peoples of Victoria. We acknowledge their ongoing strength in practicing the world's oldest living culture. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners' lands, waters, and skies on which we live and pay respects to their Elders past and present.

At V/Line, safety is our priority. Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet our safeworking standards.

Applications close: 17th December