Your new organisation
We're partnering with a high-profile Victorian statutory agency to appoint a confident and experienced FOI & Privacy Officer to lead a newly structured information access team during a period of internal transformation.
You'll oversee complex and high-profile FOI matters (including VCAT appearances), and help embed a proactive, accountable culture around transparency and information rights
Your new role
As part of a pilot restructure, the FOI and Privacy functions have been formally split to enable sharper focus, improved performance, and clearer lines of responsibility. Your core mandate is to stabilise, guide and lift FOI performance-both in day-to-day delivery and strategic positioning.
You'll work closely with senior leadership, internal legal stakeholders, and external bodies (including OVIC and VCAT), ensuring that the agency's FOI function is robust, confident, and legally defensible.
* Manage and advise on complex, high-risk or high-profile FOI requests
* Represent the agency in OVIC complaints and VCAT proceedings
* Coach and develop team capability through structured feedback and performance uplift
* Provide strategic FOI advice to senior managers and internal stakeholders
* Drive culture change by role-modelling confident, constructive leadership
What you'll need to succeed
You're calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and ready to step into a senior FOI leadership role that requires both technical rigour and emotional intelligence. You're experienced in interpreting legislation, handling sensitive requests, and leading from the front during reform.
* Demonstrated experience managing FOI matters in the public sector
* Strong working knowledge of VCAT processes and OVIC complaints handling
* Confidence navigating high-risk decisions and stakeholder scrutiny
* Proven team leadership and performance development skills
* A collaborative, feedback-driven leadership style
What you'll get in return
* Competitive salary package
* Hybrid work model
* Opportunity to lead during a period of transformation.
* Convenient location with public transport access.
What you need to do now
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact, apply now or contact suras.khosla@hays.com.au for a confidential discussion.