Manager - Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Program

About this role

• Full time ongoing position (part-time considered)
• Salary range: $138,909 - $162,060 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model
• Location: You can work from various VLA office locations, but you will need to attend the Melbourne CBD office regularly

About the role
Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is centred upon improving access to legal services for First Nations People and advocate for systemic change.

In this role, you will oversee our Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer (ACEO) program at a state-wide level, leading a team of ACEOs located in VLA's Mildura, Morwell, Shepparton, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat offices, with further expansion planned in the future.

Reporting to the Director, First Nations Services, you will work closely to develop and implement effective monitoring and reporting processes and support the integration and management of ACEOs within local VLA teams.

As part of the First Nations leadership team, you will contribute to the development of VLA strategies and initiatives, driven through the RAP, to positively engage with and improve the experience of First Nations people and their communities.

You will build collaborative working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders such as Aboriginal justice, legal and related networks, and VLA local management. 

This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.  

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Lived experience working with First Nations peoples and a good understanding of their culture and the challenges they face, especially in legal matters.
• Experienced in leading diverse teams, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and support staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, respectful relationships with internal staff, external partners, community organisations, and First Nations clients.
• Ability to manage time well, meet deadlines, and supports others in managing their workload.
• Good at planning and organizing work, managing deadlines, and helping others do the same.
• Commitment to improving legal outcomes and access to services for First Nations people, with a genuine motivation to make a positive impact.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About Victoria Legal Aid
We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club(and salary package the cost)
• Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Kristen Bell, First Nations Employment Consultant on (03) 9269 0168.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Melissa Harrison, Director, First Nations Services on (03) 9269 0430 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted. 

Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 1 September 2025.

Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.