Executive Manager Nugel Policy and Child Protection Reform

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) Preston VIC is seeking an Executive Manager to lead the Nugel Policy and Child Protection Reform team. You will guide design and implementation of programs aimed at reducing over‑representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system and improving outcomes for children, youth and families.

The role requires senior leadership, strong stakeholder engagement with government and Aboriginal communities, and the ability to drive service

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience at senior level.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with government and community.
• Culturally aware with understanding Aboriginal communities.
• Excellent written communication for policy and briefs.
• Ability to engage with diverse internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to design and implement policy and reform programs.
• Embed Aboriginal cultural lens into policy and program development.
• Support Nugel, Lakidjeka, and other programs.
• Represent VACCA at high level meetings and with Elders.
• Ensure learning from evaluation informs practice improvements.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Interpersonal communication

Policy development

Written communication

Strategic planning

Job description

Executive Manager Nugel Policy and Child Protection Reform

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency – Preston VIC

2d ago , from Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency VACCA

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community‑Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

The Executive Manager, Nugel Policy and Child Protection Reform leads a team of project staff who support the design and implementation of innovative projects and programs that aim to reduce the over‑representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system and support improved outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and families. This role provides leadership to embed a strong Aboriginal cultural lens into policy and program development related to the child protection reform projects through development of practice approaches, program documentation and resources. Programs supported include Nugel, Lakidjeka, Aboriginal‑led Case Conferencing and Bringing Up Aboriginal Babies at Home. The role supports the programs to implement learnings from evaluation and research, and continually improve quality of our services.

About You

• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose and the capacity to take a leadership role in championing these internally and externally.


• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and a commitment to continually building knowledge, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities.


• Demonstrated experience in senior leadership and management.


• Effective and culturally appropriate interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including government, ACCOs, Aboriginal community members and Elders.


• Ability to represent VACCA at high level meeting, advocate and work collaboratively with government and other ACCOs.


• Ability to drive service delivery excellence and practice approaches across multiple regions.


• Ability to work strategically and collegially with other senior leaders as well as staff and stakeholders


• Excellent written communication, with the ability to produce materials for various audiences, including developing policy, procedures, practice advice, briefs, and presentations.


• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children's Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and aVictorian Driver Licence.Current COVID-19 vaccination(Strongly Recommended)

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction


• The support of regular internal supervision


• Professional development and training opportunities


• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take‑home pay


• 17.5% loading on annual leave


• Access to agency vehicles for all work‑related travel


• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs


• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment


• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture


• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume.

We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.

Executive Manager Nugel Policy and Child Protection Reform PD 2026 (1) (1).pdf

Application closes by 16th Nov

We are committed to Aboriginal self‑determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child‑safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke‑free workplace policy