Job Description

A unique and exciting opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the First Peoples-State Relations Group in the Aboriginal Land Rights Team as Manager, Aboriginal Land Rights Team at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The First Peoples - State Relations Group is the group within DPC responsible for nation leading work in the areas of cultural rights, self-determination, Treaty, and truth - an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples. We recognise Victoria's First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. We are committed to building ongoing, just, and respectful relationships between self-determining First Peoples and the State as a priority focus.

The Manager, Aboriginal Land Rights will be responsible for providing strong leadership, management and direction to the Aboriginal Land Rights team. The team undertakes a range of project, programs and regulatory initiatives in accordance with departmental values and the Victorian Government's strategic objectives, budgets and business plan outcomes. The Manager will play an active role in regulating and reforming the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 and Aboriginal Lands Act 1991 and building partnerships across government and community to influence future investment and achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.

The role requires strong interpersonal skills, program management experience, policy skills, and demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal communities. It also requires sound judgment and a commitment to achieving results.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. This is prioritised position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will possess:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with Aboriginal communities and an ability to apply this knowledge in the context of Victorian Aboriginal communities. Demonstrated ability to engage in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner with Aboriginal organisations and communities.
• Highly developed people management skills, including aligning teams with organisational values and goals through effective people development, coaching and modelling.
• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills and the ability to manage a large and complex work program within the scheduled timeframe and budget.
• Highly developed written communication skills, including ability to prepare briefs, correspondence, grants and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language, ensuring that they contain the information necessary to achieve their purpose and meet audience needs.
• Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, with an ability to effectively negotiate and resolve project scope, design and delivery issues with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills with sound judgement, initiative and strategic thinking.

Mandatory requirements:-

• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of and experience with Aboriginal communities and an ability to apply this knowledge in the context of Victorian Aboriginal communities.
• Current driver's licence.

The closing date for this position is Sunday 27 April 2025.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date. All applications should include:

• a resume; and
• 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. 

PC 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.