Chief Executive Officer - Aboriginal Community Justice Panel
SCHADS Award Level 8 + + Super + Salary Packaging
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation.
Our broader supports include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing for women exiting custody, family violence programs, one‐to‐one client support, and community legal education.
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTISBQ communities, and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility and support.
Aboriginal Community Justice Panel
The Aboriginal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) is a statewide Aboriginal-led program supporting Aboriginal people navigating the justice system through culturally grounded advocacy, system navigation, and community-led responses. For more than 30 years, the ACJP has provided critical support to Aboriginal people in police custody across Victoria. The program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week across 14 service areas (with the expansion of the volunteer model to 19 service areas) and has historically relied on a largely volunteer workforce to deliver timely cultural, wellbeing support, legal, and practical assistance at points of police contact.
Role Summary
The Chief Executive Officer provides authoritative leadership across strategy, operations, governance, workforce, partnerships, and performance, ensuring ACJP delivers culturally safe, effective, and accountable justice support services aligned with community need and system expectations.
The role carries responsibility for guiding ACJP through a critical period of transition, including leading the professionalisation of ACJP support services in response to increasing service complexity, workforce requirements, funding obligations, and justice system interface. This includes executive oversight of a Professional Services Pilot Program operating in Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton, alongside continued oversight of ACJP locations operating under community-driven and voluntary models.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Governance
* Represent ACJP in statewide forums and governance structures, including the Aboriginal Justice Forum and Aboriginal Justice Caucus.
* Provide strategic funding advice to support sustainable ACJP operations and growth.
* Provide strategic oversight and leadership of the statewide ACJP workforce.
* Lead the co‐design and establishment of new ACJP sites in partnership with Aboriginal communities and key stakeholders.
* Provide professional advice and make recommendations to the ACJP Governance Board in relation to policy development, law reform priorities, community education initiatives and justice‐related service delivery matters impacting Aboriginal communities.
* Oversee the development and implementation of ACJP policy frameworks, programs and processes to enhance service effectiveness and accountability.
Professional Services Pilot Program
* Lead the development and implementation of the ACJP Professional Services Pilot Program in Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton.
* Establish service frameworks, workforce structures, and governance settings to support professionalised service delivery.
* Monitor pilot outcomes and provide strategic advice on future service design and sustainability.
Operational Oversight
* Oversee the development, implementation, and review of ACJP policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
* Provide oversight of administrative, reporting, and data collection systems.
* Drive continuous improvement by monitoring service quality and identifying opportunities for enhancement.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
* Maintain and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal organisations, justice agencies, and government partners.
* Coordinate the annual ACJP‐Victoria Police partnership workshop, including setting expectations and articulating ACJP priorities.
* Develop, manage and maintain effective internal and external communication strategies to ensure clear information flow, open feedback channels and ongoing evaluation.
* Represent ACJP at meetings and forums at local, state and national levels, as directed, on matters relating to policy development, law reform, community education and service delivery.
Compliance and Reporting
* Ensure ACJP members and workers comply with all relevant legislative, funding, and organisational obligations.
* Provide strategic oversight of all reports delivered to VALS and DJCS in accordance with agreed reporting requirements.
Leadership Responsibilities
* Track performance and provide leadership to ensure program objectives are achieved.
* Provide guidance, mentoring, and support to ACJP Site Coordinators.
* Articulate a clear vision and align team objectives with ACJP priorities.
* Foster a culturally safe, inclusive, and accountable work environment.
* Lead regular engagement with Site Coordinators and key staff.
* Identify and address operational challenges and risks.
Essential Requirements
* Demonstrated senior leadership experience within Aboriginal community‐controlled organisations, justice, or human services environments.
* Strong understanding of Aboriginal justice issues and culturally safe service delivery.
* Proven experience leading statewide or multi‐site programs.
* Demonstrated capability in funding strategy, service reform, and stakeholder engagement.
* Strong governance, reporting, and compliance skills.
Qualifications & Mandatory Checks
* Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent senior leadership experience.
* A current Employee Working with Children Check.
* A National Criminal History Check.
* A valid Victorian Driver License.
* Proof of right to work in Australia.
What We Offer
* 17.5% Leave Loading
* 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
* Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
* Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
* A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment
How to Apply
This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
To apply, please provide: Your current resume, including education, and professional experience. Submit your application to using the subject line: 'Application for Chief Executive Officer - Aboriginal Community Justice Panel at VALS'
VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.
Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.
Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
* How many years' experience do you have as a chief executive officer?
* Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
* This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
* Do you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander?
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