About us

The Department of Education (the department) is responsible for delivering and regulating state-wide learning and development services to approximately one-third of all Victorians across the early childhood and school education sectors. The department is also one of Victoria's biggest employers, with approximately 80,000 teaching staff and around 5,000 public service employees.

The Legal Division provides highly valued legal services to support the delivery of the department's strategic objectives, key reforms and to manage legal risk. In doing so, Legal Division provides direct, practical and strategic legal advice to portfolio ministers, the secretary, other senior staff and over 1,600 government schools, supporting approximately over 650,000 Victorian Government school students.

About the role – Ongoing, Full Time

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Principal Lawyer and Manager of the Regulatory and Complex Disputes (RCD) unit.

The Principal Lawyer and Manager will co-lead and co-manage the RCD unit to provide expert legal advice and manage litigation in the nominated areas including occupational health and safety, complex disputes involving schools, early childhood regulation, FOI and privacy disputes, coronial investigations and the School Community Safety Order Scheme. The role will also require collaborative strategic leadership with Directors and other Principal Lawyers and Managers across the Workplace and Education Law (WEL) branch to deliver work priorities across the areas of legal practice in the WEL branch.

The Principal Lawyer and Manager role manages significant, sensitive and high-profile litigation in commissions, courts and tribunals and briefing external firms and sometimes directly briefing barristers. The role may undertake some advocacy and representation in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, courts, commissions and before statutory boards.

The successful candidate requires the capacity to prioritise matters and provide urgent advice where necessary. Core capabilities include excellent communication, leadership, people management and stakeholder management skills.

Why join us?

• Challenging, purpose-based work that makes a difference - Be part of a passionate, high-performing team that helps support life-long learning in Victoria.
• Meaningful work that is varied, satisfying and rewarding – As part of a career in the public sector you can help shape Victoria's future, serve the community and follow your ambition. Visit https://careers.vic.gov.au/why-work-for-vic to find out more about careers in the public service and the range of careers

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements — Part time, flexible start and finish times, work from home to help manage your work and personal commitments.
• Competitive salary – Bi-annual salary increases in line with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.
• Diversity and inclusion - As one of Victoria's largest employers, the department is committed to creating an organisation that is inclusive and ensuring it has a workforce that represents the community it serves.
• Values – The department has adopted the public sector values which are set out in the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees, which are Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values underpin how we interact with colleagues, students and families, members of the community, suppliers and government.
• Employee assistance program — For emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing and support.

How to apply

For more information please review the attached position description.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience (no more than two pages).

For a confidential discussion regarding the role please contact Emily Lett, Director, Workplace and Education Law Branch, 03 7022 1177.

Visit How to apply (careers.vic.gov.au) for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.