• Full time ongoing position (part-time considered)
• Salary range: $123,625 - $157,340 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role
We are seeking an engaged and strategic senior leader to join our Criminal Law Directorate. In partnership with a second Manager, Policy & Strategic Advocacy, you will jointly lead the policy and strategic advocacy function for the directorate aimed at achieving systemic change through law and policy reform and influencing public discourse, which involve:

• Advising and working collaboratively with senior stakeholders on criminal law policy, law reform and strategic advocacy based on VLA practice experience, emerging issues and current trends.
• Overseeing, leading and coordinating policy submissions and supporting implementation of law reforms that affect the Criminal Law Directorate.
• Developing partnerships and collaborating with other internal and external stakeholders and support evidence-based advocacy and data-driven policy that places client experience and outcomes at the centre of our work.
• Acting as a representative for the Executive Director as required in external and internal VLA settings.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative team and work on initiatives that influence the criminal justice system to provide timely justice, fair hearing of charges and appropriate outcomes.

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

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will bring:

• Extensive experience leading policy development, projects and/or strategic advocacy, with demonstrated sound judgement in assessing policy impacts and options.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge and experience in criminal law and criminal justice issues.
• High level research, writing and policy analysis skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including the ability to negotiate and influence as necessary.
• A tertiary qualification in law, public policy or a related field (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 short cover letter not exceeding two pages addressing 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 or contact Kirstie Twigg, Associate Director, Strategy, Policy & Projects on (03) 9269 0666 or [email protected].

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 13 April 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.