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: 9153
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 Program Manager, First Peoples Engagement, leads the implementation of the Wurrek-al ‘Talking with Purpose’ Framework across the Transport and Planning Portfolio, fostering strong relationships with Traditional Owners and First Peoples communities. The role provides strategic advice, develops training and engagement approaches, and ensures projects align with Treaty commitments and the Department’s self-determination reform agenda.
Key Selection Criteria
To access the Position Description, please click here.
To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership in managing complex stakeholder needs, influencing diverse audiences, and shaping strategic workforce and service outcomes. The role relies on sharp critical thinking, the ability to communicate with impact, and the agility to adapt strategies to meet evolving community priorities. We’re looking for someone who collaborates effectively, drives innovation, and consistently aligns people, processes, and partnerships to deliver meaningful results for the community.
Personal Attributes
On a personal level, the successful applicant will be culturally respectful, highly collaborative, and able to build trusted relationships with First Peoples communities. The team operates in a supportive and outcomes-focused environment, so a proactive, adaptable, and strategic mindset is essential.
Position accountabilities
The role leads the implementation of the Wurrek-al First Peoples Engagement Framework, developing training, communication plans, and engagement approaches to support Treaty commitments and best-practice engagement. It provides expert advice, manages complex and sensitive issues, and contributes to strategic planning and policy development. The position is also accountable for achieving corporate objectives and delivering high-quality, specialist services across the department.
• Drives growth in organisational capacity to engage with First Peoples by leading the delivery and implementation of training resources that support the Wurrek-al First Peoples Engagement Framework.
• Develops and leads the implementation plan for Wurrek-al ‘Talking with Purpose’ First Peoples Engagement Framework.
• Leads the development of a communication plan, guidelines and an agreed engagement approach with Gellung Warl to support delivery of Treaty commitments, ensuring alignment with best-practice principles for First Peoples engagement.
• Provides and receives highly complex, contentious or sensitive information where high levels of negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills are required.
Qualifications and experience
Mandatory
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal 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.
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.