Group Manager, Equity, Policy and Engagement * Salary: $138,631 - $185,518 (Plus superannuation) * Fixed-term position for 2 years * Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available) * Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (flexibility may be available) The Role Reporting to the Director, Participation and Sector Development, the Group Manager, Equity, Policy and Engagement will be required to provide critical analysis, detailed policy advice and develop strategic direction across a range of sport and recreation initiatives and opportunities. The role will lead strategy and policy development for participation outcomes in community sport and recreation, ensure the delivery of major programs and projects, managing and overseeing several work groups including the Aboriginal Participation team and Diversity and Inclusion team. The position plays a critical leadership role influencing all functions of the Participation and Sector Development unit and connects to key work units across Sport, Experience and Economy, including Community Sports Infrastructure and Strategic Infrastructure and Sport Economy. Main accountabilities: * Lead the successful delivery of major programs and projects, managing and overseeing a number of work groups including the Aboriginal Participation team and Diversity and Inclusion team. * Analyse, identify and develop appropriate strategies across a range of equitable and inclusive sport and recreation initiatives and opportunities ensuring close collaboration with key stakeholders across the Victorian Government, Ministers' Office to ensure they align to Departmental and broader Government strategic directions * Provide timely expert analysis and detailed policy advice for the Participation and Sector Development team as well as to advise and influence best practice across a range of sport and recreation initiatives. * Represent the department on key government and non-government committees and bodies concerned with achieving government and departmental objectives. * Work with senior management to set and achieve key performance indicators and standards, manage risk and making recommendations for improvements. * Effectively lead, mentor and support the team to ensure professional, timely and effective delivery of programs and projects. The Team The position of Group Manager, Equity, Policy and Engagement forms part of the Community Sport and Recreation Branch, which sits within the Sport and Experience Economy (SEE) Group. Sport and Experience Economy (SEE) Group delivers programs and initiatives to support positive experiences and a sense of belonging through sport, tourism, events and outdoor recreation – sectors that make Victoria a recognised leader from the grassroots level to the international stage and deliver significant economic, social and health benefits for the state. This is achieved by supporting the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, the Minister for Outdoor Recreation and the Minister for Community Sport in the delivery of sport and tourism infrastructure, and through programs and policies that strengthen the capacity of sport and experience economy organisations, reduce barriers to participation and engagement, support world-class events, and reinforce the role that vibrant sport and experience economy sectors play in growing the Victorian economy, supporting jobs and building stronger communities. About You To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience: * Policy Skills: Formulates and clearly communicates public policy options and recommendations; keeps up to date with a broad range of contemporary research and issues in equity, diversity, Aboriginal inclusion space; scans for links and potential implications of proposed policy options; liaises with stakeholders. * Government Strategy Expertise: Well-developed understanding of government process and the role government plays in the holistic sports system with insight into the needs of the sector as it relates to increasing equity, diversity and inclusiveness for underrepresented groups from grassroots sport and active recreation providers through to high performance sport. * Leadership and Management: Builds team commitment through clear direction; translates organisational strategy into meaningful long-term plans and objectives for own area of responsibility; plans and deploys resources effectively, motivates others to deliver against goals, manages clear performance expectations. * Project Planning and Budget Management: Consults, liaises with and influences key stakeholders; supports team to produce detailed project plans and actions where objectives are clearly defined and evaluation built in. Develops and monitors budget and performance against objectives and manages project risks and issues; and reporting to Senior Executives and the Minister. * Stakeholder Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and provide relevant information and advice about the Branch's direction, issues, identified risks and requirements to ensure appropriate information flow. Further Information For a confidential discussion, please contact Keddie Davis, Director, Participation and Sector Development on 0419 623 979 or keddie.davis@sport.vic.gov.au The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description. For Finance Roles: The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions is an accredited CPA Australia Recognised Employer Partner. Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line. How to Apply Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. Please provide a: * Cover letter demonstrating how you meet each of the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the position description * Current resume Applications close at 23:59pm Monday, 27 April 2026.