The Communication and Engagement Advisor (Festival and Events) contributes to the project management, communications, forward planning, coordination, delivery, evaluation and administration of the Season of Excellence program, awards and other student events produced by the VCAA.
The VCAA is a statutory body responsible to the Victorian Minister for Education, serving both government and non-government schools. The VCAA oversees the delivery of, and conducts assessment for the VCE, including assessments of students undertaking accredited senior secondary courses. We provide high quality curriculum, assessment and reporting for all Victorian students birth to 18 years.
An exciting opportunity exists to join the Festival and Events team for an ongoing full-time position
- Salary: starting rate $97,955 - $111,142 (Plus Superannuation of 11.5%)
- Ongoing role
- Usual hours of work: Full time
- Usual work location: East Melbourne
Role Purpose
The Communication and Engagement Advisor (Festival and Events) contributes to the project management, communications, forward planning, coordination, delivery, evaluation and administration of the Season of Excellence program, awards and other student events produced by the VCAA.
The Season comprises Top Talks at State Library Victoria, two exhibitions (Top Arts at the NGV and Top Designs at Melbourne Museum), Top Class performances and concerts at the Melbourne Recital Centre and other regional venues, Top Screen short film screenings at ACMI, and a literary publication for Top Scribe.
Other events delivered within this remit include the Plain English Speaking Awards, and the VCE Leadership Awards.
About the unit
This role is located within the Communications Unit in the Corporate Services Division. The Communications Unit consists of:
- General enquiry service and the Post-Results and ATAR Service (PRAS)
- Strategic communications, including internal Communications, responsible for planning and implementing external and internal communications strategies
- Publishing, responsible for content development, editing, design, desktop publishing, printing and distribution of content via the VCAA's print and digital channels
- Digital communications, responsible for the planning and technical development and maintenance of the VCAA's corporate website and intranet
- Festival and Events, responsible for the development and delivery of VCE Season of Excellence Festival showcasing exemplary work by VCE students undertaking design, fine art, media, performing arts and extended investigation studies. The team is also responsible for managing events such as the VCE Leadership Awards and Plain English Speaking Awards, and lead or support other external and internal events where required.
To be successful in this role
To achieve success, the incumbent will:
- Effectively plan, coordinate and deliver programs and events, including venue liaison, event operations and technical production requirements, development of runsheets, production schedules and other event documentation, stakeholder communications including event briefings and event logistics
- Demonstrate an ability to work across multiple events and projects simultaneously, with exceptional time management and organisation skills
- Advise and support media and communications schedules and strategies, working with internal and external stakeholders
- Develop content for communication channels and strategies, including articles for publication and various event collateral such as programs, posters and signage.
- Plan, monitor and implement updates to VCAA website
- Coordinate, centralise, manage and update databases, distribution lists, and event registrations
- Coordinate and request data to support application and selection processes
- Manage administrative and reporting requirements, including coordinating schedules for selection panels, program deliverables and timelines, financ
ial administration, and communications and correspondence to ensure effective delivery and documentation of programs
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external program stakeholders and partners and collaborate with internal teams to support the VCAA and the Festival and Events program objectives and deliverables
- Coordinate and facilitate activities for participating students
- Contribute to the production and facilitation of other events within the Festival and Events remit as required
- Participate in program reviews and debriefs and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
- Contribute to a workplace that is diverse, innovative, responsive, inclusive, safe and which reflects the VPS values.
Other duties include:
- Coordinate financial management tasks for the Events projects, including ensuring that payments for panel members, adjudicators and other contractors are processed in a timely manner
- Assist with routine financial reporting, such as accruals, reviews and reporting
- Assist with procurement activities including sourcing quotes, creating new suppliers and raising Purchase Requisitions
- Support recruitment processes and briefing activities
- Preparation of Briefings and proposals to support business continuity
- Contribute to the activities of the wider Communications Unit.
Experience and qualifications
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years experience in event management, arts administration and project management.
- Demonstrated technical event production experience
Desirable
- Understanding of VCE curriculum / study design in Media and Design studies
Experience in:
- Working with media / exhibitions
- Working with / in cultural institutions
- Development and delivery of public programs in gallery and/or museum settings.
How to apply
Applicants are encouraged to include a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria provided in the position description.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Rebecca Anthony, Festival and Events Manager, phone 0438 157583 or email [email protected]
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requi
rements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday 25th June 2025.