- Position : Fixed Term Full Time until 15 June 2026
- Location : Chirnside Park
- Salary : $119,089 to $121,592 plus super and salary packaging options
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
The Program Manager - Cultural Programs and Community Engagement is an integral part of East Metro's Client Services Management Team, working closely with the Senior Program Manager – Care Services and Cultural Programs to strengthen VACCA's relationship with the Aboriginal community and enhancing its capacity to develop culturally responsive programs and policies.
The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing a range of key initiatives to ensure effective, high-quality services. This role focuses on achieving funding targets, meeting compliance requirements, and overseeing a portfolio that includes Lakidjeka ACSASS, Cultural Programs, Community Engagement and Projects, Education, and Justice and AoD. The Program Manager provides leadership and support to staff within these programs, working closely with the East Management Team for successful collaboration.
About You
- Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose.
- Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities.
- High level knowledge and understanding of Indigenous issues, both in a Federal and Victorian context, and/or knowledge and understanding of the community services or child and family welfare sector.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with Aboriginal organisations and workers, and key stakeholders.
- Practice and leadership experience in the Child and Family sector or other relevant field, specifically with Aboriginal children and families including experience in successfully developing, managing, and motivating large teams.
- Proven ability to work with key stakeholders through governance and alliance meetings.
- Strong organisational, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills including the capacity to negotiate and work effectively with a range of individuals and organisations to facilitate the effective delivery of organisational and program objectives.
- Proven capacity to identify and resolve challenges, adapt to changing situations, and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Demonstrated experience in, program implementation, service planning including monitoring, evaluation, and maintenance of standards.
- Ability to manage and participate in after-hours rostering and supporting a broader team in improving after-hours processes.
- Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended)
Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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.
Application closes by 28 June 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
