Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 9154
About the group
People, Legal and Governance provides business enabling people, legal and corporate services functions, to drive a high-performance culture; timely and accessible legal advice and services; and to support integrated operations and portfolio wide programs.
About the role
This is a designated position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians only in accordance with the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
The Manager Self Determination Coordination leads the implementation of First Peoples strategic frameworks and plans across the Transport and Planning Portfolio. The role provides guidance and leadership to Aboriginal Partnership Officers, works with regional teams to develop place-based Self Determination Implementation Plans, and drives a Portfolio-wide First Peoples procurement strategy. It requires building trusted relationships with First Peoples communities, fostering a collaborative team culture, providing strategic advice, and ensuring the consistent delivery of the 2025–2029 Self Determination Plan while supporting compliance with statutory obligations.
Key Selection Criteria
To access the Position Description, please click here.
To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide authoritative advice, anticipate emerging issues, and respond effectively to complex risks. The role relies on exceptional communication, influence, and negotiation abilities to build buy-in from stakeholders, guide teams, and deliver outcomes aligned with community needs. We’re looking for someone who is adaptable, collaborative, and outcomes-focused, able to lead teams, foster strong relationships with First Peoples communities, and drive innovative solutions across a complex and dynamic environment.
Personal Attributes
On a personal level, the successful applicant will be adaptable, outcomes-focused, and committed to removing barriers to achieve results for the community. The team operates in a collaborative and supportive environment, so a proactive, culturally respectful, and team-oriented mindset is essential.
Position accountabilities
The role is accountable for leading the development and implementation of place-based Self Determination Implementation Plans and a Portfolio-wide First Peoples procurement strategy, ensuring strong collaboration with regional teams and stakeholders. It requires building trusted relationships with First Peoples communities, providing expert advice, and fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture. The position also contributes to strategic planning, policy development, and the delivery of complex projects while ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and achieving corporate objectives.
• Strong leadership skills to ensure the development of place-based Self Determination Implementation Plans through collaboration with DTP Regional teams.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and teams to provide authoritative advice and expertise to support the development of a Portfolio wide First Peoples procurement strategy.
• Embody expertise in developing trusted relationships with First Peoples communities that ensures quality relationships with DTP stakeholders, regional teams and community organisations.
Qualifications and experience
Mandatory
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian First Peoples cultures and societies including Traditional Owner groups.
Desirable
• Relevant tertiary qualification would be well regarded.
Other position-specific requirements
• Driver’s License.
• Seldomly may involve evening or weekend work, including occasional overnight travel.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to regional offices.
Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
How to apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
If have any issues, click here for Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.
For further information about the role, please contact Janneke Newson, Executive Director, First Peoples Self-Determination & Reform via [email protected].
Important Information:
• If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.