Associate Director, Communications, Engagement and Legal Information

About this role

• Full time Ongoing position
• Salary range: $175,286 - $192,014 plus superannuation
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

The Associate Director provides strategic and operational leadership across Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) communications, engagement, and legal information functions to support service delivery, law reform, and advocacy in line with our statutory role and organisational strategy. 

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and other senior leaders, the role drives initiatives to increase community awareness and understanding of VLA's services, with a focus on improving access to justice for the Victorian community. A core focus of the role is to lead the design and delivery of innovative community legal information and education services that streamline access to clear, accurate and reliable information and tools, enabling Victorians to resolve legal issues early and avoid escalation. The role also advances VLA's media engagement, social media and digital communications to strengthen service delivery.

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

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Extensive experience developing and delivering high impact strategic communications and advocacy campaigns that influence public policy, behaviour change or systemic reform in a not-for-profit or government context. 
• Proven success in managing media relations across traditional and digital channels, with an established network of media contacts and experience handling complex or high-profile issues.
• Exceptional ability to build, influence and negotiate with senior stakeholders, including government, community and sector partners, to achieve shared outcomes.
• Strong leadership experience, with a track record of building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams to deliver strategic communications, engagement and education initiatives.
• Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible and compelling content across a variety of channels and platforms, and act as an effective public spokesperson.
• Highly developed conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound, strategic and sensitive advice to senior leaders.
• Demonstrated experience in project, resource and budget management, delivering outcomes in complex organisational environments.
• Understanding or awareness of public policy, current affairs and the legal or social justice sector, particularly as they relate to disadvantaged or vulnerable communities.
• A knowledge of the general business of VLA and a commitment to our vision and values. 

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
Victoria Legal Aid is a cornerstone of Victoria's justice system, delivering essential legal services to the community. We provide legal advice, dispute resolution, representation, information and advocacy services to hundreds of thousands of Victorians each year for criminal, civil, family violence, child protection and family law problems. We ensure people have access to legal services close to where they live, across metropolitan, suburban and regional locations. 

Through non-legal, early intervention and dispute resolution services, we support people to understand their rights, participate in decision-making and resolve matters. We work closely with partners to influence policies and challenge unfair laws and practices to make our society fairer for everyone. 

By coordinating legal assistance and information, resolving issues early and supporting people through court processes when necessary, we help prevent problems escalating and reduce harm. We target our efforts and limited resources to help those with the greatest need. 

We deliver legal aid services to the Victorian community in partnership with private practitioners, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and community legal centres.Our partners, alongside our staff, play a crucial role in making the justice system accessible to as many Victorians as possible across the state. 

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
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing how your skills and experience are aligned with the key selection criteria. 

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, please review the attached position description.  Should you require additional information, please contact Julia Noonan at recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted. 

Applications close by 11.59pm on Wednesday 20 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.