Associate Director Special Events

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians. Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all. We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work. About the group Transport Services delivers safe, reliable and accessible transport infrastructure and services to keep Victoria moving, connecting people to what matters most in their lives. About the role This is a Fixed Term Position until 31 December 2026. The Associate Director, Special Events leads the planning and delivery of major events and filming across Victoria’s transport network, ensuring successful facilitation while minimising network impacts. This role involves collaborating with senior stakeholders, transport operators, event organisers, and government agencies to provide expert advice and coordinate readiness activities. Success requires meticulous attention to detail, strong reporting and briefing skills, and the ability to inform and influence executive decision‑making. Key Selection Criteria To access the Position Description, please click here. To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership, strong political and organisational awareness, and the ability to anticipate and navigate complex stakeholder and community needs. They will bring resilience, sound judgement and a collaborative approach to guide teams, influence senior decision‑makers, and shape effective event transport strategies. Success in this role relies on delivering outcomes that balance community expectations, operational realities and long‑term strategic priorities across the transport network. Personal Attributes On a personal level, the successful applicant will be a confident, relationship‑focused leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment and brings strong judgement, adaptability and composure under pressure. The team operates in a highly collaborative space, so someone who is proactive, stakeholder‑savvy and committed to delivering seamless outcomes during complex, large‑scale events will excel. Position accountabilities This role leads the planning and delivery of special‑event transport, ensuring services are safe, coordinated and aligned with legislative, contractual and customer‑focused requirements. It builds strong partnerships across government, operators and event organisations, while managing a high‑performing team to deliver complex schedules with minimal disruption. The position also drives continuous improvement through innovative strategies that enhance efficiency and network performance during major events. Manage the delivery of special event transport requirements in a manner consistent with the customer and service delivery objectives of DTP. Ensure that operators and event‑related stakeholders comply with all obligations under the Events Legislation and contractual agreements. Ensure collaborative development of Transport Plans in line with Events Legislation and that safety and security are prioritised in the delivery of effective, seamless and coordinated public transport for all special events and major events in Victoria. Develop and maintain effective partnerships by representing DTP with a broad range of stakeholders including but not limited to Local Government, State Government, Transport Operators, Venue Operators and Event Organisers and provide high‑level subject‑matter expertise and accurate information to keep them well informed of event transport matters. Chair a broad range of special event forums and committees with a range of sector stakeholders. Ordinary hours of work are Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. This position may involve evening or weekend work, including occasional overnight travel. Qualifications and experience Tertiary qualification in relevant field or demonstrated extensive experience. Culture Value We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multi‑faith and LGBTIQA+ individuals. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high‑performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals. What we offer Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians. Pre‑employment checks and employment conditions All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re‑employment restrictions apply. Non‑VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months. How to apply Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal; we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. For further information about the role, please contact Jimmy O’Connell, Executive Director, Network Change at jimmy.o********@transport.vic.gov.au. If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We’re here to support you. #J-18808-Ljbffr