Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $116,413 - $140,849
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/101513-AD
Senior Policy Officer, Aboriginal Programs
ONLY ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY AS THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT UNDER THE SPECIAL MEASURES PROVISION OF S12(1) OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT (VIC).
The Role
The Senior Policy Officer, Aboriginal Programs will lead a small team to develop a range of initiatives to support First Peoples to participate in sport and active recreation opportunities. The team works with key government agencies, First Peoples community organisations, community members, state sport and recreation organisations, regional sports assemblies, and other key stakeholders to implement the Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership Strategy aimed at improving access and participation outcomes in sport and recreation activities for First Peoples communities across Victoria.
The role requires strong leadership and policy skills, highly developed conceptual and analytical skills, demonstrated government experience and a delivery focus, excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, and a flair for innovation.
Main accountabilities:
The Team
The position of Project Officer forms a part of the Community Sport and Recreation branch within the Sport and Experience Economy 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, the Minister for Sport, the Minister for Major Events 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. We also oversee regulation of the State's hunting, fishing, boating sectors, and support the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board in the regulation of professional boxing and combat sports.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience:
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Tess Dryza, Group Manager, Equity, Policy and Engagement on 0408 668 122 or [email protected]
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. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
For the purpose of employment in Aboriginal Designated or Aboriginal Prioritised positions within the Victorian public sector, candidates will be asked to provide Confirmation of Aboriginality. This can be confirmed by a Confirmation of Aboriginality form signed by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and affixed with the common seal of that organisation. Recognising that access to formal Confirmation of Aboriginality documents can occasionally be problematic, an alternative process can be discussed by emailing [email protected].
Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment p rocess 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 [email protected] with the position number in the subject line.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. To be considered for this role, please provide a resume and cover letter.
In your cover letter, we want to hear your story. Tell us why you want to work with DJSIR and what draws you to this role. We're interested in understanding how your experiences, whether from community, culture, or professional settings, have shaped your experience.
You might choose to share:
Feel free to draw on examples from any setting that shows your skills, knowledge and experience. We value both traditional and non-traditional pathways to leadership.
Applications close at 23:59pm on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.