Deputy Ombudsman - Prevention

Deputy Ombudsman, Prevention

• Promote fairness and human rights across Victoria’s public sector
• Lead a high-performing team driving prevention, education and engagement
• 12-month fixed term - parental leave contract (Secondments welcome)

About the Victorian Ombudsman

Established by Parliament in 1973, the Victorian Ombudsman (VO) plays a vital role ensuring fairness between the State and its citizens. As an Independent Officer of Parliament, and a core integrity agency, the Ombudsman protects human rights and promotes fair and reasonable decision-making across more than 1,000 public bodies. Guided by its vision for a future where Victoria is fair - the organisation works to improve public administration, uphold integrity, and build community confidence through responsive complaint handling and investigation, and proactive education, engagement and influence.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Ombudsman, the Deputy Ombudsman, Prevention is a key member of the organisation’s executive leadership team. Due to the incumbent’s upcoming parental leave this opportunity is available from February 2026 on a fixed term 12-month contract. We are open to various employment arrangements, including secondments or part time 0.8 employment for this term. 

The role leads the Policy, Strategic Communications, Engagement and Education, and Intelligence functions, ensuring the Ombudsman’s prevention initiatives achieve meaningful, enduring impact. Working closely with the Deputies for Operations and Corporate, this position shapes strategy, drives proactive engagement with government and community, and ensures the Ombudsman’s insights influence better practice across the public sector.

About You

You are an accomplished senior leader with experience in complex, high-profile public sector regulatory or integrity environments. You bring proven capability in developing and driving strategy, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership, complemented by sound judgement, political acumen, and a deep commitment to fairness and the public interest. Your leadership style is collaborative and values-driven, and you are adept at leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver results. You possess excellent analytical, conceptual and problem-solving ability, highly developed communication, consultation, negotiation and influencing skills. The ability to drive innovation and to work both strategically and operationally will support you to succeed in this role. A legal background or deep understanding of administrative law and public sector policy and governance will be highly regarded.

Hazel Executive & Boards is pleased to be partnering with the Victorian Ombudsman on this Deputy Ombudsman - Prevention search and appointment process. All direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to Hazel.

Hazel acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We are committed to fostering equal opportunity and championing diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do. If you require any adjustments in engaging with us or as part of a recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

To review the Briefing Pack or for a confidential discussion, please contact Jarrod McLauchlan, Managing Partner on 0407 808 517 or jarrod.mclauchlan@hazelexecutive.com.au

Applications can be made directly via the Hazel Executive & Boards website – www.hazelexecutive.com.au