Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $129,478 - $181,284
Grade: PVO8
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/1000028PA
About the role
The Principal Advisor is a senior, trusted role providing high‑level, authoritative advice directly to the Executive Director, Aboriginal Engagement and Partnerships. The position plays a central advisory function, supporting executive decision‑making on divisional performance, risk, governance and strategic alignment, and ensuring the Executive Director is equipped with clear, timely and well‑informed advice, briefings and insights to lead the Division. What distinguishes this role is the depth of responsibility and executive influence. Alongside its core advisory function, the Principal Advisor leads divisional coordination, planning, reporting, workforce and budget processes, and system improvement, acting as the key link between the Executive Director and divisional operations. With significant autonomy and professional trust, the role supports reform delivery, mentors a support team and makes a meaningful contribution to Aboriginal engagement, partnerships and self‑determination outcomes during a period of organisational change. This position is an “identified position” where “special measures” will be applied to applicants of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, however all applicants are eligible and welcome to apply.About the Team
The Aboriginal Engagement and Partnerships Division provides strategic direction and culturally sound advice to guide Parks Victoria and empower staff to genuinely partner and meaningfully engage with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, including through joint management of parks and reserves.
We're looking for someone with:
Demonstrated experience working to advance self‑determination for Traditional Owners, including providing culturally informed advice, supporting genuine partnerships, and contributing to Aboriginal engagement and outcomes
Proven ability to provide high‑level, trusted advice to senior executives, supporting decision‑making on performance, risk, governance and strategic priorities, particularly in sensitive, high‑impact and reform‑focused contexts
Strong leadership capability and an energetic, can‑do attitude, with experience mentoring and developing staff, fostering collaboration, and proactively solving problems
Your application will need to include:
Application closing date: Sunday, 22 March 2026
Employment Requirements
Parks Victoria is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children, in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards. All prospective employees to undergo a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment.