At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan -
MACS ****: Forming Lives to Enrich the World
that will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms, staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here.
WHY WORK FOR US?
Professional development opportunities with a defined personalised annual budget
Access to flexible working arrangements, which include working from home
You will work in a tight-knit, supportive team to ensure you succeed in your role
Employee Assistant Program (EAP) supported by Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace, providing a safe and caring environment to our staff and students
The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work workplace that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.
YOUR ROLE - This is a 12 month fixed-term role.
Join MACS as the Principal Lawyer and Manager of the Education Law team, responsible for delivery of expert legal advice and services to MACS schools and offices in relation to school based legal matters.




This senior role will lead and support a dedicated and collaborative team through a new period of growth and transformation within a changing directorate; and would suit someone looking to expand their team leadership skills, as well as someone looking to develop proactive initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Oversee and provide expert legal advice on matters including complex, unusual and high to extreme risk school-based issues.
Provide expertise and operational guidance for the team in the provision of legal advice as required.
Ensure consistency and strategic alignment, across the team, in relation to the delivery of legal services.
Oversee legal responses to sensitive or critical incidents involving schools, including those with extreme legal, reputational, or regulatory implications. Work collaboratively with policy and operational teams on reforms, initiatives, and risk management strategies aimed at preventing future incidents and strengthening legal compliance across the organisation.
Lead the assessment, development and implementation of education programs to build capacity of decision makers across MACS schools and offices, ensuring they effectively understand and fulfill their legal responsibilities.
Develop strategies to manage legislative changes. Identify risks and ensure updates are communicated effectively across the business.
Promote a culture of clear communication and responsiveness within the team. Monitor client feedback and support team members in managing expectations effectively.
ABOUT YOU
Demonstrated ability to lead with empathy,



model resilience, and support team wellbeing while managing sensitive legal matters.
Demonstrated ability to lead legal strategy and apply extensive legal expertise within corporate or government environments.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex stakeholder negotiations, manage high-level partnerships, and influence outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to influence decision-making through persuasive communication and to present complex legal and strategic issues to diverse stakeholders, whilst upholding legal independence to ensure that the legal advice provided is sufficiently objective and impartial.
Demonstrated ability to lead legal teams, manage resources and budgets, and drive performance aligned with organisational objectives.
Demonstrated ability to anticipate challenges, foster innovation, manage workflow across the team, and lead teams in adopting agile, organised, and responsive ways of working.
Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check and must be willing to obtain and maintain a National Criminal History Check.
Candidates must hold full Australian Working Rights and provide evidence of this.
Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants
MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process
For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here
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📌 Principal Lawyer And Manager, Workplace And Employment Law (Melbourne)
🏢 Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
📍 Melbourne