Senior Research and Project Officer

• Preston, VIC, Australia, 3072

• Fixed Term - Full time

• Position : Full Time - Fixed Term 12 Months
• Location : Preston VIC 3072
• Salary : $110,110 - $114,980 based on level of experience, plus super

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

At VACCA, the Research and Evidence Development (RED) team brings together research, culture, and community knowledge to create real change for Aboriginal children and families. Working alongside programs, the team turns evidence into action to strengthen services across the organisation.

The Research and Project Officer (Child Protection Reform) sit at the center of this work leading research and evaluation projects that support reform and reduce over-representation in the child protection system. From designing studies to tracking outcomes, this role ensures every insight is culturally grounded, community-informed, and drives meaningful impact.

About You

In this role, you’ll lead research from idea to impact, designing projects, gathering and analysing insights, and translating findings into meaningful change. Grounded in Indigenous methodologies, your work will center culture and community voice while supporting child protection reform.

You’ll manage projects end-to-end, collaborate with stakeholders to shape evaluations and tools, contribute to VACCA’s evidence base, and mentor others to strengthen research capability across the organisation.

• In this role, you’ll lead research from idea to impact—designing projects, gathering and analysing insights, and translating findings into meaningful change.
• Grounded in Indigenous methodologies, your work will centre culture and community voice while supporting child protection reform. You’ll manage projects end-to-end, collaborate with stakeholders to shape evaluations and tools, contribute to VACCA’s evidence base, and mentor others to strengthen research capability across the organisation.
• Minimum 3-5 years in a similar role
• Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence.
• Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended)

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5% loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume.

We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.

Application closes by Tuesday 7th July 2026

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy