Title:  Executive Director, First Peoples Self-Determination

· Lead First Peoples self determination and Treaty commitments across DTP

· Provide strategic advice to Ministers, the Secretary and senior leaders

· SES 2 leadership role shaping policy, partnerships and reform
This is a prioritised position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians in accordance with the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

People who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.

About Us 

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace. 

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work. 

The First Peoples Self Determination Division sits within the PLG Group, and its purpose is to eliminate structural and systemic barriers experienced by First Peoples by providing leadership, culturally informed advice and strategic direction to embed self-determination and meaningful engagement practices across the Department of Transport and Planning.  This includes providing strategic leadership and coordination of the Department’s obligations under the Whole of Victorian Government Aboriginal affairs commitments, the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 and Statewide Treaty Agreement and preparing for future Treaty-making.

About the role 

This is a fixed term SES 2 position for up to five years.
The Executive Director, First Peoples Self Determination provides strategic leadership to embed self-determination and meaningful engagement with First Peoples across the Department of Transport and Planning. Reporting to the Deputy Secretary, People, Legal and Governance, the role leads a specialist division responsible for coordinating the department’s obligations under Treaty and delivering on Whole of Victorian Government self determination reform agenda commitments through:

• Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Self Determination and Reform Plan 2025-2029;
• Yani Bangal Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Careers Strategy 2023-2028;
• Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Cultural Safety Framework and DTP Action Plan 2024-2028;
• Wurrek-al 'Talking with Purpose' First Peoples Engagement Framework; and
• Compliance with statutory obligations that impact First Peoples’.

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)
You’re someone who: 

• Brings strong leadership and cultural capability to advance First Peoples self-determination outcomes
• Can provide authoritative advice to Ministers, executives and senior leaders on complex policy and reform matters
• Builds trusted partnerships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities and whole-of-government stakeholders
• Leads high-performing teams and drives delivery of major strategic programs and reforms
• Thinks strategically and navigates complex political and organisational environments

Click here to access the Position Description.  

Qualifications and experience
You’ll bring: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and societies and understanding of historic and contemporary issues impacting Aboriginal Victorians
• Senior executive leadership experience delivering complex policy, reform or strategy programs
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners and whole-of-government stakeholders
• Strong strategic, stakeholder engagement and advisory capability

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions 
Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required. 
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. 

How to apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. 
Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 29 March 2026. 
Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. 

For further information about the role, please contact Jacinda De Witts, Deputy Secretary, People, Legal and Governance via Jacinda.dewitts@transport.vic.gov.au

Important Information 

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