• Generous salary + super
• Full-time ongoing
• Flexible Hybrid working

At the heart of the role is the ability to bring people together & support disability advocacy for the Victorian community.

Your Impact

Through your leadership, you will help resource and build the capability of disability advocates and disability advocacy organisations in Victoria, ensuring they are better equipped to champion the rights, inclusion and self-determination of people with disability.

The Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU) is seeking a thoughtful, connected and capable Manager with policy expertise to lead it in strengthening disability advocacy across Victoria.

The Organisation

DARU is funded by the Victorian Government through the Office for Disability. It is auspiced by VCOSS (which acts as employer and houses the Unit) and governed jointly by VCOSS and Disability Advocacy Victoria (DAV) It supports advocacy organisations and workers through resources, training, knowledge sharing, sector development and opportunities for connection. daru.org.au

The Role

The DARU Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership to a small dedicated team.

At the heart of the role is the ability to bring people together — creating spaces for shared learning, stronger practice and a more connected advocacy sector. You will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for DARU, driving a work program responsive to the needs of the disability advocacy sector.
• Design and deliver forums, events, workshops and other capacity-building opportunities that strengthen the sector.
• Work closely with Disability Advocacy Victoria as the sector peak to identify sector needs and priorities and support DAV and other sector representative bodies in their work
• Oversee resources and communications, convene sector networks and build trusted relationships across disability advocacy, government, peak bodies and community organisations.
• Work effectively within DARU's dual governance arrangement with VCOSS and DAV, managing budget and financial reporting.

This role would suit someone who is embedded in, or deeply connected to, disability advocacy and who understands the importance of lived experience, rights, inclusion and self-determination.

First-hand lived experience of disability is strongly preferred and will be highly valued in this appointment, alongside demonstrated sector knowledge, leadership capability and strong stakeholder engagement skills.

You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of the disability advocacy sector in Victoria or nationally
• Experience developing accessible resources, tools and sector materials
• The ability to coordinate people and organisations around shared goals
• Leadership experience, including people management and operational responsibility
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence working with autonomy while remaining accountable to governance structures
• A commitment to the rights, inclusion and self-determination of people with disability

Applications from people with disability are strongly encouraged.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna [email protected] using the subject line: Manager - Disability Advocacy Resource Unit enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.

DAV and VCOSS are committed to the rights, inclusion and self-determination of people with disability and values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that strengthen our work. They strongly encourage applications from people with disability, neurodivergent people, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with a broad range of lived and living experiences.

DAV and VCOSS are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and recognise that everyone participates differently. If there is anything that would support your participation in the recruitment process, please let us know. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and employment journey.