Freedom of Information Manager

Chandler Macleod Group; Geelong; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Geelong-based, this permanent leadership role oversees Freedom of Information and information release functions within a prominent Victorian organisation. The role provides expert legal and strategic advice, driving governance, compliance and continuous improvement across the organisation.

You will lead a team, manage external reviews, engage regulators, and balance transparency with risk, delivering outcomes that enhance service delivery and enterprise-wide practices.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading FOI functions and handling high-profile requests.
• Tertiary qualifications in Law or a related discipline.
• Eligibility to hold a Legal Practising Certificate in Victoria and/or another Australian jurisdiction.
• Strong knowledge of Victorian FOI legislation and information release obligations.
• Experience managing external review processes and regulatory stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Strategic mindset balancing transparency, compliance and risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage FOI and information release functions.
• Provide legal, strategic and operational advice on FOI obligations.
• Oversee end-to-end management of release requests complying with legislation.
• Deliver guidance on complex, high-profile matters including external reviews.
• Build relationships with regulators and internal stakeholders.
• Drive process improvements, reporting, and service delivery.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team.
• Monitor legislative developments to ensure compliance.

Skills

FOI governance

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Policy advisory

Education

Law degree or related discipline

Job description

Freedom of Information & Information Release Manager

Geelong | $182,500 TRP | Permanent Full-Time

An exceptional opportunity has become available for an experienced Manager, Freedom of Information & Information Release to lead a critical governance function within a prominent Victorian organisation. Based in Geelong, this permanent leadership role is responsible for overseeing Freedom of Information and information release functions, providing expert legal and strategic advice, and driving best-practice governance, compliance and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the organisation's Freedom of Information and information release functions.
• Provide expert legal, strategic and operational advice to senior leaders on FOI obligations, governance and risk.
• Oversee the end-to-end management of information release requests, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and service standards.
• Deliver advice and support regarding complex, sensitive and high-profile matters, including external reviews and appeal processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, government agencies and key internal stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, reporting, technology and service delivery.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and psychologically safe culture.
• Monitor legislative developments and emerging trends to ensure organisational compliance and best practice.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive experience leading Freedom of Information functions and managing complex, sensitive and high-profile requests.
• Tertiary qualifications in Law or a related discipline.
• Eligibility to hold a Legal Practising Certificate in Victoria and/or another Australian jurisdiction.
• Strong knowledge of Victorian Freedom of Information legislation and information release obligations.
• Demonstrated experience managing external review processes and regulatory stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to build capability, drive performance and develop high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance transparency, legislative compliance and organisational risk.

Why Apply?

This is an outstanding opportunity to take ownership of a critical function within a respected organisation where your expertise will directly influence decision-making, governance outcomes and enterprise-wide practices. You'll join a values-driven environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and professional growth while leading a highly specialised team within a complex regulatory setting.

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.