Location: Port Melbourne or Geelong, VIC | Work type: Full-time or Part-time | Hybrid working
Your new company
Ports Victoria is a vital Victorian statutory authority ensuring the safe, efficient navigation of commercial vessels through the port waters of Melbourne, Geelong and Hastings. Think marine traffic control for ships-its teams guide large vessels smoothly and safely through some of Australia's busiest port channels. With around 100 dedicated staff, Ports Victoria operates in a highly regulated maritime safety environment, underpinning Victoria's economy and global trade connections.
The organisation is collaborative, close-knit and mission-driven. Its culture is warm, approachable and non-hierarchical-you're never far from the CEO's door, and open conversations are encouraged at all levels.
Your new role
This dual-function position is 80% Board Secretariat and 20% Legal Advisory, sitting at the heart of Ports Victoria's governance and statutory compliance. You'll be a trusted partner to the executive team and Board, reporting to the CFO while working closely with the CEO and General Counsel (who also oversees Procurement & Contracts). You'll provide independent legal guidance on statutory and operational matters, particularly FOI, privacy and legislative compliance.
Board Secretariat (Primary)
* Manage the end-to-end governance cycle for the Board and three subcommittees (Board meets 9x/year; committees 2-6x/year)
* Draft/manage forward agendas, meeting packs and action registers
* Edit and quality-assure board papers
* Take minutes that clearly capture strategic decisions and actions
* Liaise with CEO, CFO and Chair on agendas and follow-ups
* Ensure statutory compliance across board and committee conduct
* Maintain Board Portal and governance documentation
* Oversee Board induction and development
Legal Advisory (Secondary)
* Support the General Counsel as required
* Develop internal guidance on obligations under key Acts (e.g. Marine Safety Act, Transport Integration Act, Port Management Act)
* Advise on FOI and privacy issues
* Assist with legal risk management relating to Board decisions, contracts or regulatory exposure
* Coordinate external legal counsel for specialist matters
What you'll need to succeed
Essentials
* Admitted to practice and holding (or eligible for) a current Victorian practising certificate
* Experience as a Legal Counsel or Senior Legal Counsel
* Strong knowledge of public sector governance, FOI/privacy, statutory compliance
* Proven experience supporting boards or formal governance committees
* Exceptional written communication and editorial skills for board-level material
* Calm under pressure, highly organised and able to manage competing priorities
Desirables
* Experience working with a Board Chair and executive leadership
* Exposure to maritime, transport, infrastructure or high-safety industries (not essential)
* Governance qualifications (GIA, AICD) welcome but not required
* Confident in chasing deadlines and liaising with senior leaders
What you'll get in return
This is not a narrow advisory role-it's a trusted, high-impact position at the intersection of law, governance and public decision-making. You'll work directly with the CEO, CFO and Board Chair, support statutory compliance from within, and help shape governance culture in a critical Victorian authority.
If you value structure and accountability, and thrive in a collaborative, hands-on environment where your work is visible and valued, this role offers:
* Hybrid model: 3 days in office (Port Melbourne or North Geelong)
* Warm, informal culture with direct access to leadership
* Open to part-time candidates (minimum 3 days/week)
What you need to do now
If you're interested, click 'apply now' to send your CV, or contact Suras Khosla on (03) 9604 9519 or email suras.khosla@hays.com.au.