Fulltime| Melbourne | $216,376 - $279,238, including superannuation.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC). Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About the Department of Justice and Community Safety

The Department of Justice and Community Safety leads the delivery of justice and community safety services in Victoria by providing policy and operational management. Its extensive service delivery responsibilities range from managing the State’s prison system, to enforcing court warrants. The department manages the development and implementation of a range of laws, regulations, and policies in areas across the portfolio, and ensures that all elements of the justice and community safety system are working efficiently and effectively.

One of nine groups across the department, the Aboriginal Justice Group is committed to driving systemic change in the justice system to deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.

The group works in close partnership with Victorian Aboriginal communities and is guided by principles of Aboriginal self-determination. The group plays a significant role in implementing the Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja: Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4 and leads justice policy and legislative reform pertaining to Aboriginal Victorians. The group also leads the department’s engagement with the Yoorrook Justice Commission and Treaty processes and delivers the Stolen Generations Reparations Package.

About the role

The Koori Justice Unit (KJU) is responsible for the stewardship, coordination, and implementation of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA), a formal partnership with Aboriginal communities to reduce Aboriginal over-representation and improve justice outcomes KJU provides coordination and support to the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF) and its associated partnership mechanisms, to deliver on the goals of the AJA. It is responsible for effectively engaging with the department’s key Aboriginal partnership, the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, and other Aboriginal stakeholders.

The KJU administers a community grants program worth around $40 million annually, predominantly to Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations. This role is tasked with leading the development and implementation of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement, including monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs for Aboriginal Victorians and leading the coordination of the AJF to ensure its efficacy. The Director of the Koori Justice Unit is crucial in delivering on the department’s strategic priorities to embed Aboriginal self-determination and working in genuine partnership with Victorian Aboriginal communities to achieve a fair and accessible justice system.

For a full description of the role, please contact Megan Ingram at [email protected], using the subject line: Director - Koori Justice Unit - Department of Justice and Community Safety enquiry via EthicalJobs.

About you

The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of Aboriginal communities and culture. They will have the ability to operate with integrity while balancing government and community to build strong stakeholder relationships, such as working closely with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus to enhance justice outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

They will have the proven ability to develop high-performing teams and maintain a positive workplace culture with an agile and adaptable leadership style. This role requires autonomy, strategic oversight, and a commitment to fostering a positive organisational culture and professional growth within the Aboriginal Justice Group.

Key Requirements

The successful applicant will possess:

1. Excellent knowledge of Aboriginal culture and society while understanding the historical and contemporary issues relating to Aboriginal Victorians with experience in providing high-quality and effective engagement with Aboriginal stakeholder groups
2. A proven track record in an executive position, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities while remaining calm under pressure when managing risks and stakeholders.
3. Demonstrated success in building, managing and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams through effective program and project management.
4. Highly developed knowledge of government processes and experience providing high-level advice in strategic policy and program support to senior stakeholders, ideally with previous experience representing on committees at state and national levels.
5. Demonstrated skill in proactively building and maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders and development of innovative strategies to facilitate a partnership approach and critical linkages with interdependent business units within the department to ensure the successful delivery of required outcomes.

What we can offer you

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to serving the community, working together, acting with integrity, respecting others, and making things happen. Apply today if you are interested in a role with:

• The opportunity to make an impact
• A competitive salary
• Flexible work options
• Exceptional personal and professional development.

For further information about the benefits on offer at the Department of Justice and Community Safety, please visit: justice.vic.gov.au.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via the link below and include the following:

• Current CV – maximum of five pages
• A one-page pitch expressing your interest and suitability for the position.

How to get more information

For further information on the position, please contact Pipeline Talent via phone or email for a confidential discussion.

Megan Ingram

Senior Recruitment Consultant

M 0419 599 251 | PH 02 8001 6603

[email protected], using the subject line: Director - Koori Justice Unit - Department of Justice and Community Safety enquiry via EthicalJobs.