Program Manager, Aboriginal Economic Development
Salary: $142,790 - $191,084 plus superannuation
Fixed term / Ongoing role: 12 months Fixed-Term
Usual hours of work: Full-time (flexibility may be available)
Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD (flexibility may be available)
Aboriginal Prioritised
This is a prioritised position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in accordance with the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration for this role.
The Role
As Program Manager, Aboriginal Economic Development, you will strengthen and support the growth of the First Peoples' business and Traditional Owner Corporation sector throughout Victoria by leading the strategic implementation of the business pillars under the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy. You will collaborate across DJSIR portfolios, government and commercial stakeholders, business associations, professional service providers, Traditional Owner Corporations and other business contacts to strategically connect projects and initiatives that support the Victorian First Peoples' business sector. You will manage grant programs and projects, including agreements, risks, issues, delivery, performance and financial milestones, while providing high-quality strategic advice and supporting continuous improvement. Strong project management, organisational, communication and stakeholder management capabilities are essential, along with a driven, accountable and outcomes-focused approach.
Main Accountabilities:
- Manage delivery of Aboriginal Economic Development programs and projects and ensure strong project management and governance outcomes.
- Collaborate across DJSIR, government and other stakeholders to strategically connect projects and initiatives that support First Peoples' Victorians' economic development in accordance with the Victorian Government's self-determination framework and the Strategy.
- Engage with relevant stakeholders across the project management lifecycle, including managing agreements, risks and issues, delivery, performance and financial milestones, budgets, reporting and evaluation.
- Research, analyse, prepare and provide timely strategic advice, high-quality submissions, reports, briefing papers and correspondence to management and Ministers, including on sensitive issues.
- Actively drive continuous improvement in program management, finance processes and systems across the Group to achieve high-quality outcomes in a timely manner.
The Team
The position of Program Manager, Aboriginal Economic Development forms part of the Aboriginal Economic Development Branch within the Economic Policy, Programs and Services group.
The Economic Policy, Programs and Services group brings together capabilities in economics and public policy, data and modelling, program design and evaluation, project management, delivery and assurance. The group works across the department to provide expertise in policy and program design, continuous improvement and economic policy, and has portfolio responsibilities for First Peoples' economic development.
The Aboriginal Economic Development Branch drives implementation of the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy, supporting parity in economic opportunities, prosperity and social outcomes for Victoria's First Peoples' communities. The branch also contributes to the department's commitment to the Treaty process and First Peoples' self-determination and leadership.
About You
You will bring highly developed project management capability and demonstrated experience leading and delivering multiple, time-limited projects and grant programs in complex stakeholder environments, including managing resources, budgets, risks, issues and competing priorities. You will also have demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with the Victorian First Peoples' community and forging partnerships with First Peoples' stakeholders to strengthen and support the Victorian First Peoples' business ecosystem. Strong project delivery, organisational, communication and stakeholder management capabilities are essential.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Camm Myrtle, Director, Aboriginal Economic Development Branch, on [email protected] and 0418 426 388.
We understand that applying for jobs can be daunting, and you might want to learn more about our workplace culture, the First Peoples Staff Network and what it's like to work at DJSIR before putting in an application. We encourage you to reach out to our First Peoples Delivery Team on [email protected] to arrange for an informal yarn about the role and us. This can occur by email, phone or in person in a place where you feel comfortable.
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.
Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process 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.
This position has a requirement to undertake some travel. Some out-of-hours work may be required, for example to meet critical client deadlines or during emergency situations. Any overtime must be pre-agreed with the line manager before being accumulated and will be taken as time-in-lieu following the line manager's prior approval.
How to Apply
Please click the `Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.
Applications close at 23:59pm on 15 September 2026.
