Executive Assistant - Aboriginal Community Justice Panel
SCHADS Award Level 4 + Super + Salary Pack
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 programmes, 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.
About: 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 Aboriginal Community Justice Panel have 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 Executive Assistant provides high‐level executive, strategic and operational support to the ACJP CEO, operating with a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and professional judgement.
The role is responsible for managing complex executive schedules, coordinating meetings, events and travel, supporting strategic initiatives, and acting as a key point of connection between the CEO, internal teams, and external stakeholders. The Executive Assistant plays a critical role in enabling the CEO to operate effectively across governance, partnerships, service delivery and sector engagement.
In addition to executive support functions, the role contributes to strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and program‐level communication, including representing ACJP at meetings and events, supporting partnership development, and facilitating collaboration across ACJP teams and external organisations.
The role requires discretion, sound judgement, strong relationship management capability, and an understanding of culturally safe practice within Aboriginal community‐controlled environments.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support & Coordination
* Provide high‐level executive and administrative support to the ACJP Governance Board, including coordination of meetings, preparation and distribution of agendas and papers, minute‐taking, action tracking, and liaison with Board members and governance stakeholders.
* Provide high‐level administrative and executive support to the ACJP CEO, including managing complex schedules, coordinating meetings, events, travel arrangements and accommodation.
* Operate under limited direction, exercising initiative and professional judgement to manage competing priorities and complex workflows.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for executive‐level inquiries, ensuring professional communication and appropriate follow‐up.
* Maintain confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Strategic & Stakeholder Coordination
* Support high‐level strategic coordination on behalf of the CEO, including representing ACJP at meetings, conferences, and community events as required.
* Build and maintain strategic relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, government agencies, legal organisations and research institutions.
* Facilitate communication between internal ACJP teams and external partners.
* Participate in coalitions, networks and working groups to support ACJP's strategic objectives.
Briefings, Communications & Reporting
* Prepare high‐quality correspondence, reports, presentations and briefing materials for the CEO and senior stakeholders.
* Coordinate briefings on program delivery, service outcomes and strategic priorities across ACJP teams.
* Support the development of agendas and materials aligned with organisational priorities and governance requirements.
Strategic Planning & Project Support
* Contribute to strategic planning processes and agenda development aligned with ACJP objectives.
* Identify emerging issues and opportunities to inform ACJP direction and executive decision‐making.
* Support the implementation of strategic initiatives and monitor progress against agreed actions.
* Coordinate cross‐functional projects and initiatives across ACJP as required.
Community Engagement & Cultural Support
* Provide mentoring and support to ACJP community members as appropriate to the role.
* Promote culturally safe practices and environments across ACJP operations.
* Support community engagement activities and cultural events.
* Facilitate connections between community members and appropriate services where required.
About You – Essential Requirements
* Demonstrated experience providing high‐level executive or senior leadership support in a complex organisational environment.
* Proven ability to operate autonomously, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound professional judgement.
* Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
* High‐level written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive correspondence and briefings.
* Demonstrated discretion and ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
* Experience supporting strategic planning, coordination, or project delivery.
* Understanding culturally safe practice and Aboriginal community‐controlled contexts.
Qualifications & Mandatory Checks
* Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent experience in executive support, administration, public administration or community services.
* Current Employee Working with Children Check.
* National Criminal History Check.
* 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 jobs@vals.org.au using the subject line: 'Application for Executive Assistant - Aboriginal Community Justice Panels 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.
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