Senior Manager, Policy & Redress

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency; Preston; On-site; GBP 65,000 - GBP 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community service organization in Preston is seeking a Senior Policy Manager to support the Director and manage policy briefs, research projects, and staff supervision. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Social or Public Policy, strong communication skills, and a robust understanding of Aboriginal cultures and government policy. The role offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits aimed at professional development and community engagement.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to agency vehicles

Fitness Passport for family

Qualifications

• Relevant degree and considerable experience in policy and/or research.
• Senior policy or management experience in government or non-government sector.
• Valid Police Check and Working with Children’s Check required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare policy briefs, presentations, and research papers.
• Supervise and manage staff.
• Coordinate projects as needed.

Skills

Awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures

Strong understanding and knowledge of government and policy

Strong communication skills

Proven ability to supervise and manage

Skills in planning and managing multiple projects

Education

Degree in Social or Public Policy or related field

Job description

• Position : Full time, Ongoing Opportunity
• Location : Preston
• Salary : $129,205.44 - $134,295.20, plus super and salary packaging available

The Organisation

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

Supporting the Director, the Senior Policy Manager is responsible for policy briefs, presentations, speeches, media releases and research papers, at times including coordinating projects. In addition, the Senior Policy Manager will prepare and/or assist in the preparation of policy papers and briefs for the Director to provide to the Board, the CEO and the senior leadership group of VACCA. Supervision and management of staff is a feature of this role.

About You

• Awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures and an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal people in contemporary Australia and the diversity of circumstances of Aboriginal people both in the Victorian community and Nationally
• Strong understanding and knowledge of government and policy, specifically at the Victorian State level
• Strong communication skills including producing high quality accurate papers, briefs and presentations and communicating complex ideas simply in person or in documents
• Proven ability to supervise, manage and support direct reports as well as provide guidance, direction and mentoring to others in the team
• Skills and experience planning and managing multiple concurrent projects including associated budgets

Requirements:

• Minimum degree qualified Social or Public policy or related field along with considerable experience in policy and/or research
• Experience in a senior policy or management role in the government or non‑government sector, preferably in Aboriginal affairs
• Valid Police Check, aWorking 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.

Please click here to download the position description for this role.

Senior‑Manager‑Social‑Policy---OCEO.pdf

Application closes by February 15, 2026

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