Associate Director, First Nations Services

Full job description
About this role
Maximum term position up to 30 January 2027
Salary range: $170,181 - $186,421 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH office model
About the role
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking an Associate Director to lead the strategic planning of the First Nations Services team and key strategic projects. First Nations Services is a newly formed directorate that leads projects and initiatives that aim to address systemic racism and disadvantage to improve access to justice. This is a key leadership role that will help drive important changes in how we deliver legal services to First Nations communities.

As the Associate Director, you'll:

Work with the Executive Director to lead the First Nations Services team, including managing the Policy and Projects team. You'll provide guidance and support to staff working on strategic initiatives.
Oversee and help develop projects that improve how we deliver legal services for First Nations people, including finding ways to innovate and improve services.
Provide advice on strategy, risk, and policy for First Nations Services.
Work to create a workplace where First Nations staff feel supported, heard, and respected.
This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country, but we welcome applications from candidates outside the Melbourne metro area.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

Demonstrated leadership experience in community organizations, public or legal sectors, with a track record of delivering strategic priorities and diverse projects.
Experience in leading high-performing teams, managing budgets, and evaluating service delivery.
Strong background in system design and delivery of complex projects or planning activities.
Exceptional ability to manage senior stakeholders, balance competing demands, and influence decision-makers.
Qualifications and/or demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in working with First Nations people in legal or a community service-related areas such as family violence, mental health, community services, housing and homelessness, drug and alcohol and youth issues (mandatory).
Tertiary qualification in law, public policy, or a related field, or equivalent work experience (mandatory).
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 addressing the key selection criteria (listed within the file attachments).

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 Ashley Morris, Executive Director, First Nations Services on (03) 9269 0280 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Wednesday 6 August 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.

Job details
Job Reference:
VG/VLA/FNS/1875342

Location:
Melbourne - CBD

Work Type:
Fixed term - full time or part time

Job Function:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Classification:
WVR 6.2 - 62AO8C

Salary Range:
$170,181 - $186,421

Job Duration:
Up to 30 January 2027

Date posted:
23-Jul-2025

Application Close Date:
06-Aug-2025 Read more