Join the VEC as a Research Manager, Representation Reviews and lead a specialist team delivering research and advice for ward boundary reviews ahead of the 2028 council elections. In this leadership role, you will drive high-quality research, support evidence-based decision making, and work closely with stakeholders to help ensure fair and equitable voter representation across Victoria.
- Fixed-term opportunity (up to 17 months)
-
VPS Grade 5.2 $128,635 - $140,849 plus superannuation
-
Location: Collins Street CBD
-
Hybrid working arrangements available
Why join us
At the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) we are not just about elections, we are about enabling all Victorians to actively participate in their democracy. The VEC conducts state and local council elections and is responsible for promoting public awareness and understanding of electoral issues in the Victorian community. Our goal is to be change ready and responsive to legislative changes and community expectations in a dynamic and complex operating environment.
We provide a values driven workplace culture with a passion for excellence and innovation in the services we provide. We offer a supportive environment that encourages professional development and provide opportunities to broaden your experience though internal working groups and committees across VEC branches.
to make a meaningful contribution to the democratic process.
About this opportunity
Reporting directly to the Senior Manager Electoral Representation, this role will lead the research function within the ward boundary review program team. This fixed-term program team is being established to complete ward boundary reviews before the 2028 council elections. Ward boundary reviews are carried out under the Local Government Act 2020 and aim to maintain fair and equitable representation for voters, consistent with legislative principles and good practice for representative democracies.
About the team
The Electoral Representation Team leads the VEC's support and delivery of state and local government representation reviews, including support for internal and external review panels. During the representation of review events, an expanded team is established to deliver review programs.
The Research Team will work closely with the program's Geospatial and Public Consultation teams to deliver the upcoming ward boundary review program and provide high-quality advice and support to the ward boundary review panel.
A day in the life of the Research Manager
As a leader in our Representation Research Team, you will lead a team of researchers and writers and hold accountability for the delivery and quality of the team's activities and outputs. You'll be responsible for guiding your team to produce advice and information for the review panel and program leadership, preparing publications, and delivering presentations.
As a member of the program's leadership team, led by the Senior Manager Electoral Representation, you will work closely with other managers to align work between teams, solve challenges and adapt quickly as priorities shift. The timelines for the review program are short, and work is often fast moving to meet non-negotiable deadlines.
In this hands-on leadership role, you will lead your team through the program of work, set standards, provide guidance and feedback, and ensure your team meets program needs and timelines.
About you
- Experience leading a team of specialists in a fast-paced environment.
-
Able to establish and maintain high-quality research and advisory standards to support well-informed decision making.
-
Preparing and communicating complex information through clear, concise written documents, and presentations, while guiding team members to do the same.
-
Driving quality and continuous improvement, including implementing quality assurance, and providing constructive feedback to support c ontinuous improvement.
-
Planning and forming structured work plans, including managing competing priorities, providing clear direction to team members, monitoring progress, adapting to changing demands, and proactively resolving issues.
-
Building strong stakeholder relationships through effective collaboration, clear communication, and a professional approach to engagement.
-
Fostering inclusive and respectful workplaces, where diversity is valued and all team members feel safe, supported and empowered to contribute.
How to apply
All applicants must complete the online application form and submit a current CV and a separate document with responses to Key Selection Criteria (KSC) 6.1, 6.2, 6.5 and 6.7 as listed in the position description.
Note that VEC can only accept applications lodged via the apply button which leads to the Victorian Government Careers log in and application process via Careers Vic.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 30 July 2026.
Diversity and inclusion
We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people to apply.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplaces with the people we employ, and at the ballot box with the people we serve. We aim to create a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and safe for all.
We understand that candidates may need adjustments in the recruitment process and/or workplace. For any questions or request for accommodations, please e-mail
[email protected].
Pre-employment checks
Successful applicants will be required to satisfy character clearance requirements including, but not limited to, Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and working with children check. In accordance with Section 17A of the Electoral Act 2002, the VEC may ask applicants to disclose specific political activities that could compromise the perceived independence of the organisation. Learn more about disclosing political activities.
VEC contact details
For further information please contact the Senior Manager, Electoral Representation:
[email protected].
