Why work with us
As the peak body for Catholic education in Victoria, VCEA offers employees an opportunity to shape the future of Catholic education across the state. VCEA provides flexible working, a central city office location, competitive remuneration with generous benefits (including tax-advantageous salary sacrifice options), and opportunities for career development and progression. These benefits, combined with our commitment to work life balance, make VCEA an employer of choice.
About the role
Position Title: Legal Counsel
Reports to: Company Secretary
The Legal Counsel will work across all portfolios to provide expert guidance and advice on all legal matters, including contract management, complaints resolution, regulation, and litigation on behalf of VCEA. Working closely with the Company Secretary and executive leadership team, they will play a key role in VCEA’s organisational governance and mitigating legal risks. Additionally, they will lead engagement with external legal professionals and other legal teams across the Catholic education system as required.
Key responsibilities
* Review, draft and provide legal advice on agreements with various stakeholders, including the Department of Education, curriculum authorities, universities, copyright providers, suppliers and other relevant parties.
* Support VCEA in developing sector-based responses to policy initiatives, ensuring compliance and alignment with legal requirements.
* Oversee and coordinate investigations, ensuring thoroughness, fairness, and compliance with legal processes and requirements.
* Provide ad hoc support on complaints and complex reviews, offering legal guidance and expertise, including in relation to minimum standards and VRQA requirements.
* Provide timely and accurate advice to internal stakeholders and external parties on the school regulatory framework and other compliance and legal requirements across the organisation.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to support business objectives and identify legal risks and opportunities.
* Undertake other legal and governance responsibilities as directed.
Key selection criteria
* Extensive experience and expertise as Legal Counsel or similar role and understanding of regulatory frameworks.
* Strong understanding of policy development processes and the ability to provide legal support in developing sector-based responses to legislative changes and initiatives.
* Demonstrated experience in reviewing and advising on a wide range of agreements and contracts, including those with government entities, educational institutions, and third-party providers.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, including boards, school administrators, government officials, and legal professionals.
* Exceptional problem‑solving abilities with a keen attention to detail and the ability to provide clear and practical legal advice.
* Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, define work priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
* A strong ethical framework, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in decision‑making.
Skills, qualifications and pre-requisites
* Minimum of five years post‑admission experience as a legal practitioner in Australia, in employment not for profit, corporate, commercial, compliance or regulatory role or similar.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications in law and current practising certificate.
Organisational values
A commitment to the ethos, values, and mission of Catholic education and to VCEA values of excellence, promoting the common good, integrity, and equity.
Other requirements
* Must hold and maintain a current Victorian Working with Children Check or be eligible to receive same upon joining the organization.
* Must also undergo and receive a transparent National Criminal History Check (NCHC) upon employment and during your employment with VCEA. All employees are required not to have been charged with, nor found guilty of any offence which would be incompatible with employment with VCEA.
* Must hold and maintain a valid Victorian driver’s license, access to a reliable car and be willing to travel to schools in metropolitan and regional Victoria.
* Willingness to take reasonable care for your health and safety in the workplace and for the health and safety of others who may be affected by what you do or don’t do.
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