Managing Principal Lawyer
The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is an independent statutory authority, whose primary function is to regulate members of the teaching profession.
About us
The VIT’s vision is to ensure that Victorian learners have the best teachers. All our work focusses on raising the quality of teaching, and providing for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
We are committed to building an inclusive workforce where the full potential of all employees is reached and our differences are embraced. The VIT supports and enables employees to work safely in a discrimination-free environment and enjoy equal opportunities.
By joining the team at VIT, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on people and their development.
Benefits include
- flexible working arrangements
- consultative leadership team who cares about staff, and actively supports career and professional development
- positive and active social culture
- access to a wide variety of leave options and salary packaging arrangements
- strong commitment to equity, including through a comprehensive Gender Equity Action plan
- mental health and wellbeing initiatives
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- ’A grade’ office building with 4.5-star energy rating and modern end-of-trip facilities - only minutes from Southern Cross station.
Be part of a workforce who share VIT’s vision and are committed to contributing to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
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| Department: | Victorian Institute of Teaching |
| Work Type: | Ongoing - full time |
| Job Function: | Regulatory, Governance and Compliance |
| Classification: | VIT6.2 |
| Work Location: | Melbourne - CBD |
| Reference: | VG/5081 |
| Closing Date: | 18-Jun-2025 |
| Salary Range: | $153,214 - $175,373 |
| Job Duration: | N/A |
| Attachments: | VIT-CC-5081 Grade 6.2 Managing Principal Lawyer.pdf (PDF, 131KB) Position Description Working for VIT FAQs and Recruitment Process.pdf (PDF, 89KB) |
| Contact: | Jaclyn Spencer 03 8601 6165 or email at Jaclyn.spencer@vit.vic |
Position Details
Join the Victorian Institute of Teaching as a Managing Principal Lawyer
Location: 717 Bourke Street, Docklands
Employment Type: Full-time, ongoing
Classification: VIT Grade 6.2
Salary: $153,214-$175,373 pa plus statutory superannuation
Reports to: Director, Professional Conduct Branch
The Opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Managing Principal Lawyer to lead our Legal Team within the Professional Conduct Branch. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality legal services and supporting the VIT's statutory obligations in regulating the teaching profession.
You will lead a team of legal professionals, provide expert legal advice, manage complex litigation, and contribute to strategic planning and reform initiatives. This role is ideal for a legal leader with a strong background in regulatory law and a passion for public interest work.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Legal Team, including two Grade 6 Legal Managers and approximately 20 indirect reports.
- Provide strategic legal advice on regulatory matters, policy development, and legislative interpretation.
- Oversee disciplinary litigation and criminal prosecutions under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support VIT's regulatory functions.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement in legal service delivery.
- Contribute to strategic planning and organisational leadership.
- Manage legal budgets and external legal service providers.
The role may involve exposure to sensitive matters, which can involve allegations of child sexual abuse.
About You
You are a seasoned legal professional with:
- Admission as an Australian Legal Practitioner and at least 7+ years post-admission experience.
- A current Victorian Practising Certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).
- Expertise in administrative law, civil litigation, disciplinary proceedings, or criminal law.
- Demonstrated leadership in a legal services function, ideally within a regulatory environment.
- Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and people leadership skills.
- A commitment to integrity, accountability, and public service values.
How to apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter (no more than 3 pages) addressing the following key selection criteria. Please refer to the attached position description.
- At least 5 years' demonstrated experience leading a legal services function, ideally within a regulatory environment.
- Resilience (Leading)-Creates a climate which encourages and supports openness, persistence and genuine debate around critical issues. Provides sound explanation and argument for agreed positions.
- Working Collaboratively (Leading) Builds a culture of collaboration across the organisation; Looks for and facilitates opportunities to collaborate with external stakeholders; Identifies and overcomes barriers to communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic Planning (Leading)-Guides others through the strategic planning process, creating a shared vision for the future. Has a comprehensive understanding of external and internal issues that influence the strategic direction of the organisation. Ensures that overall strategic plan cascades to operational and team planning processes and performance plans; provides subject matter expertise and building capability of others.
- Lead and navigate change (Accomplished):Implement structured change management initiatives at an organisational level; Clarify purpose and benefits of change to staff and provide leadership in times of uncertainty.
To discuss this role further, please contact Jaclyn Spencer, Director Professional Conduct Branch on 03 8601 6165 or by email at Jaclyn.spencer@vit.vic.edu.au.
Recruitment and selection process
Our recruitment and selection process is based on the public sector employment principles and will include the following overarching principles
- our decisions will be based on merit - we will assess each applicant's skills, knowledge, attributes and qualifications objectively against the key selection criteria
- we will be fair, reasonable and equitable - we will provide equal employment opportunities
- we will be objective
- we will comply with our privacy obligations during the recruitment and selection process.
During the recruitment and selection process, shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit to various assessment tools and pre-employment screenings. This may include consent to conduct a nationally coordinated criminal history check.
The VIT is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and stakeholders. We require all employees to comply with VIT's vaccination policy.
Applications close: 11.59 pm Wednesday 18 June 2025
