Principal Adviser Salary: $138,631 - $185,518 (plus superannuation) Fixed Term position for 3 years Usual hours of work: Full Time (flexibility may be available) Initial work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (flexibility may be available) The Role We are seeking a Principal Adviser to provide expert, strategic, and operational advice. They are typically responsible for leading teams, developing policy, and ensuring that key departmental priorities are addressed effectively. This role may involve: providing high-level guidance on complex issues, departmental strategy, and operational improvements. leading teams, managing projects, and mentoring staff. contributing to the development and implementation of policies, including drafting departmental briefs and ministerial correspondence. building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders. ensuring the smooth functioning of the department by providing timely and accurate information and support to senior leadership. Main accountabilities : Identifies and responds to new and emerging strategic issues impacting on the operating environment. Routinely advises senior stakeholders on policy issues and solutions within a functional area. Initiates and manages negotiations with peers (internal and external to work unit) to gain commitment to projects, and delivery of activities to meet timelines. Uses knowledge of structures, processes and culture of government, the sector and the department to develop policies and new program or project initiatives. Provides and receives highly complex, contentious or sensitive information where high levels of negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills are required. Provides highly specialist services or expert advice on service delivery. The Team The position of Principal Adviser forms a part of the Professional Sport and Tourism Infrastructure Unit, which sits within Sport and Experience Economy Group. Sport and Experience Economy (SEE) Group delivers programs and initiatives to support positive experiences and a sense of belonging through sport, tourism, events and outdoor recreation – sectors that make Victoria a recognised leader from the grassroots level to the international stage and deliver significant economic, social and health benefits for the state. This is achieved by supporting the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, the Minister for Outdoor Recreation and the Minister for Community Sport in the delivery of sport and tourism infrastructure, and through programs and policies that strengthen the capacity of sport and experience economy organisations, reduce barriers to participation and engagement, support world-class events, and reinforce the role that vibrant sport and experience economy sectors play in growing the Victorian economy, supporting jobs and building stronger communities. We also oversee regulation of the State's hunting, fishing, boating sectors, and support the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board in the regulation of professional boxing and combat sports. About You To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience: Resilience : Creates a climate which encourages and supports openness, persistence and genuine debate around critical issues. Provides sound explanation and argument for agreed positions. Flexibility and Adaptability : Works to find new ways to deliver outcomes. Recognises the merits of different options and acts accordingly. Builds commitment of others to adopt new strategies to deliver against outcomes. Interpersonal Skills : Builds relationships at senior levels; Acts as a convenor between teams and departments to build collaboration. Knowledge Management : Embeds knowledge management as an integral part of the organisation's business; Knowledge management risks are actively managed across portfolio of responsibilities. Strategic Planning : Guides others through the strategic planning process, creating a shared vision for the future. Has a comprehensive understanding of external and internal issues that influence the strategic direction of the organisation. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving : Considers a broad range of topics (beyond immediate area of work), works across government and at senior levels to develop and deliver sustainable solutions. Further Information For a confidential discussion, please contact Luke Mason, Executive Director, Professional Sport and Tourism Infrastructure via email - luke.mason@sport.vic.gov.au The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards . Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description. For Finance Roles: The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions is an accredited CPA Australia Recognised Employer Partner. Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line. How to Apply Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and respond to the key selection criteria as outlined in the position description. Applications close at 23:59pm on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
