Posted: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: 16/09/2026
Job Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Job Category: Community Services and Development,Executive & Strategic Management
Safe Steps is the only 24/7, family violence response centre in Victoria, providing a “state-wide entry point” for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. Services include information and referral, crisis response, specialist family violence risk assessment, safety planning, Webchat, and access to supported crisis accommodation.
Our vision is safety, support and respect for all victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
Our practice is trauma-informed and guided by evidence. We provide services to all victim-survivors and recognise that most of our work is dedicated to the needs of women and children which reflects the gendered nature of domestic and family violence.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team as Director, Specialist Family Violence Services.
Reporting directly to the CEO, this pivotal executive role is responsible for leading Safe Steps' statewide 24/7 crisis response service, supported accommodation programs, and specialist family violence services. You will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure services are safe, effective, high-quality and responsive to the needs of victim-survivors across Victoria.
Working closely with the Board, CEO, Executive Team and key sector stakeholders, you will drive service excellence, organisational performance, system improvement and innovation while contributing to the future growth and sustainability of Safe Steps.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead Safe Steps' statewide crisis response, accommodation and specialist family violence services.
- Translate organisational strategy into operational plans, priorities and service outcomes.
- Provide leadership, coaching and support to senior leaders across the service portfolio.
- Oversee service performance, quality, risk, compliance and budget management.
- Embed trauma-informed, MARAM-aligned, feminist, intersectional and child-safe practice.
- Monitor and report on service delivery, client outcomes, financial performance and operational risks.
- Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Board and Executive Team on service delivery and sector reform.
- Build strong relationships with government, funders, regulators and sector partners.
- Represent Safe Steps in sector forums, strategic partnerships and advocacy initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for service innovation, growth and future funding.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
- Tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related discipline meeting Victorian Government requirements.
- Significant senior leadership experience within family violence, community services or a related human services sector.
- Demonstrated expertise in specialist family violence service delivery and contemporary practice frameworks.
- Proven experience leading complex service portfolios and high-performing teams.
- Strong understanding of governance, compliance, quality, risk and performance management.
- Extensive knowledge of Victorian family violence reforms, legislation and service systems.
- Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Exceptional communication, leadership and organisational skills.
- Demonstrated experience using data and evidence to inform strategic decision-making.
Desirable
- Current Victorian Driver Licence.
- Executive leadership experience within a statewide service environment.
- Experience working closely with Boards and governance committees.
- Experience leading service growth, organisational transformation or system reform initiatives.
WHY JOIN US?
- Join Victoria's only 24/7 statewide specialist family violence crisis response service.
- Play a key executive leadership role during an exciting period of organisational growth and transformation.
- Influence service delivery, strategy, advocacy and sector reform at a statewide level.
- Lead a highly skilled and dedicated team committed to supporting victim-survivors.
- Work within a values-driven organisation committed to being courageous, feminist, empowering, ethical, respectful, collaborative and reflective.
- Attractive executive remuneration package with salary packaging benefits available.
INTERESTED? APPLY TODAY!
If this sounds like the role for you then submit your application.
Applications will be assessed as they are received and may close early once a suitable candidate is found.
Your application will not be considered unless you provide a cover letter and a Resume.
Safe Steps is an organisation committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace for all. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, those from diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, all ages, LGBTQIA+ people, and those with a diversity of experiences.
