Manager, First Nations Access

About this role

Full time, ongoing opportunity

Salary range: $143,076 - $166,922 plus superannuation

* Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

Legal Help is the main entry point to Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) and much of the legal assistance sector for people seeking help with legal and related issues. It handles around 230,000 requests from the public annually, offering low intensity legal information, advice, and referrals by phone and webchat in multiple languages.

The Manager partners with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, particularly the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and Djirra, to improve access to legal help for First Peoples. This includes building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders inside and outside VLA, and running and improving culturally safe, dedicated First Peoples services (the 1300 MOB VLA phoneline and the Yarn Online webchat service).

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

This is a special measures role and only Australian First Peoples are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess

Demonstrated experience working with Victorian First Peoples communities, including an understanding of First Peoples cultures, cultural protocols and self-determination, and the demonstrated ability to lead culturally safe practice, build respectful partnerships and improve outcomes for First Peoples (essential).

High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and experience developing and maintaining relationships at a senior level including with First Peoples clients, communities and organisations, government and justice sector entities.

Demonstrated ability to drive service innovation and growth and to influence change and law reform, underpinned by experience in service management and delivery, including client first approaches, consumer engagement, evidence-based decision making and reporting frameworks.

Strong organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to develop and meet strategic priorities, drive positive cultural change, develop and support high-performing teams and respond to emerging and changing organisational needs.

High level oral and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to produce clear and well researched reports and advice, and, to lead programs of work.

Qualification in law, public policy, or a related field, or equivalent work experience (desirable).

* 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. However, we are unable to consider applicants who do not identify as Australian First Peoples.

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

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter indicating how your skills and experience are aligned with the expectations of the role.

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 or contact Julia Noonan at [email protected].

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 1 November 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.

Job details

Job Reference:

VG/VLA/LPCJLH/1951824

Location:

Melbourne - CBD

Work Type:

Ongoing - full time

Job Function:

Administration / Secretarial

Classification:

WVR 5.2 - 52AO8C

Salary Range:

$143,076 - $166,922

Job Duration:

N/A

Date posted:

19-Oct-2026

Application Close Date:

01-Nov-2026