Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $298,489 - $430,740
Grade: VPS SES2
Occupation: Leadership and management
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VLA/LPCJLH/1933936
About the role
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of Victoria Legal Aid's most significant service delivery directorates and make a lasting contribution to access to justice in Victoria.
As Executive Director, Civil Justice, you will provide strategic leadership to VLA's Civil Justice directorate, overseeing the delivery and continuous improvement of high-quality civil justice services across the state, including through the statewide Independent Mental Health Advocacy service. You will lead a large and diverse team undertaking some of VLA's most specialised and impactful work, supporting people experiencing significant disadvantage and marginalisation.
The role also provides leadership in policy, systemic advocacy and law reform. Drawing on client and lived experience, practice insights and evidence, you will help shape fairer laws, policies and systems, working closely with government, the legal assistance sector and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for clients and the broader community.
As a member of VLA's Executive Management Group, you will contribute to the leadership of the organisation. You will help shape strategy, influence key organisational decisions and support the effective allocation of resources, while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, accountability and high performance.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job de scription, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.
About VLA
Victoria Legal Aid is a cornerstone of Victoria's justice system, delivering essential legal services to the community.
We provide legal advice, dispute resolution, representation, information and advocacy services to hundreds of thousands of Victorians each year for criminal, civil, family violence, child protection and family law problems. We ensure people have access to legal services close to where they live, across metropolitan, suburban and regional locations.
Through non-legal, early intervention and dispute resolution services, we support people to understand their rights, participate in decision-making and resolve matters. We work closely with partners to influence policies and challenge unfair laws and practices to make our society fairer for everyone.
By coordinating legal assistance and information, resolving issues early and supporting people through court processes when necessary, we help prevent problems escalating and reduce harm. We target our efforts and limited resources to help those with the greatest need.
Employee benefits
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.
For additional information not specified in the Position Description, please contact [email protected].
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Monday 20 July 2026.
Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.
VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.