Chief Executive Officer

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead Yoorrook’s operations as it delivers on its mandate to seek truth and justice for Victorian First Peoples.

Yoorrook is an independent Royal Commission established under the Inquiries Act 2014. It is promoting truth, understanding and transformation by inquiring into past and ongoing systemic injustices perpetrated against First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation.

Yoorrook is the first Aboriginal truth-telling body to be established in Australia. The Letters Patent that set out Yoorrook’s historic mandate are here.

Working closely with the Chairperson and Commissioners, the Chief Executive Officer will oversee Yoorrook’s operations including strategic leadership, project management, financial management and organisational development. The CEO will foster and model a culturally safe environment grounded in cultural authority.

Yoorrook’s Letters Patent requires it to prioritise the employment of First Peoples. First Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a fixed-term role until 30 June 2025 when Yoorrook finishes its work. Yoorrook will hold accountability hearings later in 2024 and will deliver a final reform report to the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government by 27 June 2025. Yoorrook will also produce an Official Public Record of the history of systemic injustice against First Peoples since colonisation.

You will have worked extensively with and for First Peoples in executive leadership roles. You will bring deep strategic leadership and knowledge to drive high-quality policy advice and manage a culturally-safe organisation with a diverse workforce.

With an ability to build rapport quickly and develop networks and relationships, you will work closely with the government, First Peoples’ organisations and non-government entities and organisations.

You will have a deep understanding of colonisation and issues affecting First Peoples in Victoria, as well as proven experience in building a strong, positive organisational culture.

Applications close midnight 16 June 2024 and should include:

• A resume; and
• A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (maximum three pages).

Yoorrook actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTIQA+ and people with disability.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible work arrangements with the hiring manager during the recruitment process.

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

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia. As an authorised provider, Yoorrook is required to comply with the State Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination policy, which strongly recommends all employees be fully vaccinated.