Title:  Manager, Engagement

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of Victoria’s new Violence Reduction Unit, using your strong community engagement and stakeholder management skills to really make a difference in the lives of Victorians.  As part of a diverse and multi-disciplinary team, you will work collaboratively to bring together and learn from community, government, academia, and frontline program providers to support the development and delivery of innovative violence prevention initiatives.  

If you have strong experience and expertise working with diverse communities and stakeholders, an understanding of the Victorian government and community sector service system, strong leadership credentials and a commitment to making Victoria a safer place, then this may be the role for you.

About the Role

The Manager, Engagement is a systems-connector who works collaboratively to bring together and learn from community, government, academia, and frontline program providers to deliver effective outcomes.

Reporting to the Director, Statewide Coordination and Engagement, the Manager, Engagement leads a small multi-disciplinary team to:

• Lead engagement with youth, community and expert stakeholder collectives, Local Site Executive Committees (LSECs) and other government and community sector agencies, providing support and strategic guidance to communities
• Engage meaningfully and constructively with individuals and communities impacted by violence, focusing on priority communities and learning what communities need and think will work best to reduce violence
• Proactively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders to support the development and delivery of innovative violence prevention initiatives
• Develop and continuously improve the VRU’s approach to engaging with young people, communities, services and stakeholders
• Deliver community engagement forums, roundtables and other events.

The Manager, Engagement also manages and oversees the strategic communication function within the VRU. This includes corporate communication, delivery and maintenance of the VRU website, and communication with the Victorian community about the role of the VRU.

The role will harness data collected by the VRU’s Policy, Evidence and Performance team to inform all elements of community and stakeholder engagement. The role will help program providers engage with data, academics and community perspectives to ensure violence prevention programs are designed and delivered effectively.

Key Accountabilities:  

1. Develop, implement and continuously improve the VRU’s approach to community engagement, including delivery of youth, community and expert stakeholder collectives.
2. Identify and manage strategic risks and opportunities affecting the successful delivery of program and business objectives and develop appropriate solutions to complex and sensitive issues.
3. Engage meaningfully and collaboratively with community members, including young people, families and community leaders.
4. Collaborate, influence and negotiate with diverse community groups, LSECs, and other government and community sector agencies to identify opportunities for innovation, development and improvement in violence prevention initiatives.

For further information, please see the Position Description.

How to apply  

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on 22 March 2026. All applications should include:  

• a resume; and  

• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)  

Other relevant information  

The VRU is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the VRU's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this VRU has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all VRU employees be fully vaccinated.   

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.  

VRU actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at VRU can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role. Please discuss in your interview process your preferences and individual needs.