Overview

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time Salary: $240,938 - $310,385

Grade: VPS SES1

Occupation: Leadership and management

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 12579

About the Violence Reduction Unit The Victorian Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) was established in December 2025 to reduce violence in Victoria through an early intervention and prevention approach. It operates across Government to tackle and disrupt violence by:

- Taking a preventative and public health approach to address the root causes of violence
- Coordinating across Government and local services so crime prevention works better, with fewer gaps
- Using data and intelligence to target its interventions when and where they’re needed most
- Investing in and delivering the programs that are proven to turn people away from crime, and new programs which address gaps and emerging crime trends
- Engaging directly with the Victorian public and the communities and young people most affected by violence.

Our vision is to achieve meaningful and measurable reductions in violent crime, through partnerships with communities.

About the role

This is a fantastic 9-month fixed-term opportunity to join the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) team and drive real outcomes for Victorian communities.

The VRU was established in December 2025 to reduce violence in Victoria through an early intervention and prevention approach. It operates across Government to tackle and disrupt violence by:

- Taking a preventative and public health approach to address the root causes of violence
- Coordinating across Government and local services so crime prevention works better, with fewer gaps
- Using data and intelligence to target its interventions when and where they’re needed most




- Investing in and delivering the programs that are proven to turn people away from crime, and new programs which address gaps and emerging crime trends
- Engaging directly with the Victorian public and the communities and young people most affected by violence.

The VRU is seeking an experienced executive to join the team to provide leave coverage across two key executive roles - the Director Statewide Engagement and Coordination (October 2027 - January 2027) and the Director Programs and Governance (January 2027 to June 2027). If you have demonstrated credentials leading small, multi-disciplinary teams to delivery prevention and early intervention initiatives in a dynamic and rapid-paced environment, top-tier stakeholder engagement skills and a strong understanding of Victoria's service system, this may be a great role for you. Please refer to the attached position description for the detailed accountabilities and key selection criteria.

How to apply To apply, please provide a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining the key capabilities and experience you would bring to the role, and a copy of your resume. You are not required to address each key selection criteria in detail.

Please note: the role requires flexibility to undertake some work in the evenings and occasionally on weekends, and some travel within Victoria, which may include overnight stays.

Other relevant information To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/Current Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening.

Applications close Thursday 1 October 2026 at 11.59pm

Posted

17 September 2026

📌 Director, Violence Reduction Unit (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Government
📍 Melbourne