• Full Time, Fixed Term
• Melbourne
• SES Band 2

VLA considers that being a First Nations Australian is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under subsection 26(3) or section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

About the organisation

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is a statutory authority that serves the broader community by providing information, legal advice, and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. We prioritise more intensive services, such as legal advice, legal representation, non-legal advocacy, and family dispute resolution, for those who need it most. VLA is focused on our work to continuously improve the experience of people with legal and non-legal needs in all of the work we do. We recognise the intersections between legal and social issues in the way we do our work and advocate for change. We also work to address the barriers that prevent people from accessing the justice system by participating in systemic inquiries and reforms and strategic advocacy.

About the role

The Executive Director, First Nations Services contributes to shaping the organisation’s strategic priorities and leads highly critical and large-scale reforms impacting beyond VLA into the wider sector and Victorian community.

The role will lead VLA’s First Nations directorate, developing the strategic direction and delivering its vision to address systemic racism and disadvantage through the delivery of services and initiatives that are shaped by self-determination and accountability by First Nations peoples.

The directorate’s four priority domains of influence are:

• Leading VLA staff and ways of working with and for First Peoples.
• Managing key stakeholder relationships.
• Reforming laws and systems.
• Responsiveness and accountability to First Nations communities.

For a full description of the role, please contact Megan Ingram at [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Director, First Nations Services - Victoria Legal Aid enquiry via EthicalJobs.

About you

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director, First Nations Services will be a member of the Executive Management Group. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding of First Nations cultures, histories and legal systems, including coronial inquests, commissions of inquiry, and treaty negotiations. You will have the ability to lead the development and implementation of frameworks that promote self-determination. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with senior stakeholders on complex issues.

Key Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in law, public policy, or a related field, &/or equivalent work experience in the First Nations, community services, justice or legal assistance sectors.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in working with First Nations Australians in justice or a community service-related areas such as family violence, mental health, community services, housing and homelessness, drug and alcohol and youth issues.
• Strategic understanding of policy, service delivery, regulatory, and legislative processes, with a focus on legal assistance service delivery to First Nations peoples.
• Experience operating as a member of an executive team that drives organisational priorities to deliver state-wide community outcomes.
• Experience collaborating both internally and externally, including across state and federal government departments/agencies and non-government organisations, utilising strong engagement skills to influence and deliver services and community outcomes in the context of government policy.

What we can offer you

VLA is an employer committed to creating equal opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive workforce. We offer:

• Flexible and family-friendly practices, including our hybrid work model
• Culturally appropriate leadership development opportunities
• Access to Cultural leave including leave to participate in NAIDOC week activities
• Opportunity to be part of a supportive First Nations staff network
• Employee Assistance program including dedicated First Nations service

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via the "Apply Now" button and include the following:

• Current CV – maximum of three pages
• A two-page pitch connecting your capabilities with the key requirements of the position

Late submissions will not be accepted without prior approval from Pipeline Talent.

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

[email protected] / [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Director, First Nations Services - Victoria Legal Aid enquiry via EthicalJobs

M 0419 599 251 / PH 02 8001 6603