• Full time, Fixed term position up to five (5) years
• $310,386 - $447,266 Total Remuneration Package
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging

About the role

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of Victoria Legal Aid's most significant service delivery directorates and make a lasting contribution to access to justice in Victoria.

As Executive Director, Civil Justice, you will provide strategic leadership to VLA's Civil Justice directorate, overseeing the delivery and continuous improvement of high-quality civil justice services across the state, including through the statewide Independent Mental Health Advocacy service. You will lead a large and diverse team undertaking some of VLA's most specialised and impactful work, supporting people experiencing significant disadvantage and marginalisation.

The role also provides leadership in policy, systemic advocacy and law reform. Drawing on client and lived experience, practice insights and evidence, you will help shape fairer laws, policies and systems, working closely with government, the legal assistance sector and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for clients and the broader community.

As a member of VLA's Executive Management Group, you will contribute to the leadership of the organisation. You will help shape strategy, influence key organisational decisions and support the effective allocation of resources, while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, accountability and high performance.

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

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Significant experience in civil justice, human rights and/or social justice environments, with a strong understanding of the legal and systemic issues affecting people experiencing disadvantage and a commitment to advancing access to justice and human rights outcomes.
• Deep understanding of emerging state-wide and national issues in legal assistance service delivery, with a proven ability to set strategic direction, formulate long term plans to mitigate risk, maximise opportunities and ensure the achievement of VLA, sector and government priorities.
• Proven ability to lead and oversee critical stakeholder engagement and to advise and influence a diverse range of senior stakeholders in relation to highly complex issues impacting on policy development and service delivery. A successful record of co-creation and co-design of services with lived experience and user-group stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate strategic policy, regulatory, service delivery and/or program initiatives across multiple business units or functions, including the development and management of budgets, finances, procurement, workforce plans and expenditure.
• Demonstrated experience operating at a senior executive level with organisation-wide responsibilities, including contributing to organisational strategy, leading complex decision-making, managing competing priorities, and driving performance, culture and outcomes across a large, complex organisation.
• A proven track record of leading high performing, values-led teams and fostering a culture that supports performance, accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Strong change management and leadership capability, with experience in managing transformational or large-scale organisational change and embedding sustainable outcomes.
• 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.

About VLA
Victoria Legal Aid is a cornerstone of Victoria's justice system, delivering essential legal services to the community.

We provide legal advice, dispute resolution, representation, information and advocacy services to hundreds of thousands of Victorians each year for criminal, civil, family violence, child protection and family law problems. We ensure people have access to legal services close to where they live, across metropolitan, suburban and regional locations.

Through non-legal, early intervention and dispute resolution services, we support people to understand their rights, participate in decision-making and resolve matters. We work closely with partners to influence policies and challenge unfair laws and practices to make our society fairer for everyone.

By coordinating legal assistance and information, resolving issues early and supporting people through court processes when necessary, we help prevent problems escalating and reduce harm. We target our efforts and limited resources to help those with the greatest need.

Employee benefits

• 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

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Generous leave benefits, including:
• 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
• 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.

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 additional information not specified in the Position Description, please contact [email protected].

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 20 July 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.