Data Protection Specialist

About this role

• Full time, Ongoing position
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus superannuation
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

The Data Protection Specialist helps ensure Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)'s data is protected and used appropriately by supporting the implementation, governance, monitoring and assurance of security and privacy practices. This role drives the development of staff awareness and capability, maintains visibility over access and use, and coordinates operational responses to data security incidents in collaboration with business units, ICT and Internal Legal Services. Through these activities, the position supports the consistent application of data security standards and the reduction of organisational risk.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country. 

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Strong ability to interpret and apply organisational policies, and to adapt guidance for different operational contexts and staff capabilities.
• Capability to work effectively with technical specialists and operational staff to ensure data security measures are understood and applied consistently.
• Understanding of how data classification, access control, and handling standards protect sensitive data, and the risks of non-compliance in an operational environment.
• Ability to identify and assess potential data security risks in day-to-day operations, and to escalate issues appropriately with relevant evidence and context.
• Awareness of how data security responsibilities intersect with privacy, records management, and cybersecurity functions.
• A knowledge of the general business of VLA and a commitment to our vision and values.  

Interviews will be held in-person at our Melbourne CBD office from 1-12 June 2026. 

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy 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

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave benefits, including:
  • Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
  • Paid gender affirmation leave
  • Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
• Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
• Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes 
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply

Please review the attached position description (PD), which includes a detailed description of the responsibilities and of mandatory standards and capabilities. 

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience are aligned with the key selection criteria (maximum 800 words). 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 our team. For further information not specified in the PD, please contact recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted. 

Applications close by 11.59pm on 17 May 2026. 

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.