Executive Director, People, Culture & Safety - Victoria Legal Aid

• Newly created executive role reporting directly to the CEO
• Lead Victoria Legal Aid's people, culture and workforce transformation agenda
• SES2 Classification

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is an independent statutory authority with a clear purpose - to improve lives by providing legal assistance and strengthening access to justice for Victorians. Through its statewide network of offices, in-house legal practice, partnerships with private practitioners and community legal centres, VLA helps people experiencing disadvantage resolve legal problems and navigate complex legal systems.

Guided by Strategy 30, VLA is shaping the future of legal assistance through a client-first approach, service innovation and system reform. Working collaboratively with government, the legal profession and community partners, VLA is committed to building a fair, just and inclusive society where everyone can access the support they need.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this newly created executive leadership role is a unique opportunity to shape the workforce, culture and organisational capability of one of Victoria's leading public purpose organisations. As a member of the Executive Management Group, the Executive Director will lead the organisation's people strategy, providing trusted advice to the CEO, Executive Management Group and Board while driving a high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture.

Leading a broad portfolio spanning workforce strategy, organisational development, employee and industrial relations, health, safety and wellbeing, learning and development, diversity, equity and inclusion, people operations and the built environment, the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in delivering Strategy 30, strengthening organisational capability and positioning Victoria Legal Aid for its next phase of growth and transformation.

You are an accomplished executive leader with a proven track record leading enterprise-wide people, culture and organisational capability functions within complex, values-driven organisations. A strategic thinker and trusted adviser, you have successfully shaped workforce strategy, organisational performance and culture while influencing executive teams and Boards to deliver sustainable organisational outcomes.

You bring deep expertise across workforce strategy, organisational development, leadership capability, industrial and employee relations, and culture transformation.

An authentic and collaborative leader, you have successfully led significant organisational change, built high-performing teams and embedded contemporary people practices that strengthen capability, enhance employee experience and deliver lasting organisational impact. You build trusted relationships, navigate complexity with confidence and exercise sound judgement in highly accountable environments.

Experience within government, statutory authorities, legal, health, education or other complex, purpose-driven organisations will be highly regarded.

Hazel acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pays respect to Elders past and present. Hazel is committed to equal opportunity and to championing diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all executive appointments. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

Click on this link to download the Briefing Pack  

To apply, please visit www.hazelexecutive.com.au and upload your Cover Letter and Resume.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jarrod McLauchlan, Managing Partner on 0407 808 517 or Jodi Heath, Partner on 0459 997 007Applications Close 11:59pm 26th of July 2026