Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Early childhood
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/ECE/1869848
About the Department
The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.
About the Division
The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP) Division guides, supports and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The work of the Division is also underpinned by the central precondition of this, that all children are able to access, be included and engage in early learning. It leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and supports participation for children that experience vulnerability and disadvantage that have the most to gain from early learning.
ELPAP is responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF), working with the VCAA. There is a particular focus on delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition. ELPAP leads the development and implementation of participation and inclusion supports for all children, including implementation of needs-based funding for kindergartens. This includes working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children that might otherwise miss out on kindergarten to enrol and attend.
About the Role
Are you passionate about making a lasting impact in early childhood education? Are you a strategic leader who thrives in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment? Join us in a pivotal role that supports the professional growth of educators and elevates outcomes for children across Victoria.
This influential leadership role sits within the Professional Practice Programs (PPP) Unit of the Professional Practice Branch. The PPP Unit is at the forefront of delivering impactful professional practice support to the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep workforce as part of Victoria's Best Start Best Life reforms. Grounded in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), we provide high-quality resources, professional learning initiatives, and strategic policy advice to elevate teaching practice across the state.
As Manager, PPP Unit, you will lead a high-performing team in designing and delivering professional learning and workforce supports that make a real difference. This includes high profile programs such as the Bush Kindergarten Program and Early Childhood Languages Program. Alongside this you will be part of a team delivering an unprecedented expansion of professional practice supports to Victoria's teachers and educators.
You will play a central role in building a strong partnership with the VCAA to support VEYLDF implementation across the sector.
We're looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of adult learning and effective professional development design. You'll be an experienced team leader who inspires excellence, brings clarity and direction, and is confident in independently managing complex projects and associated contracts.
In this role, you will:
Attributes
This is more than a management role—it's an opportunity to lead change, shape practice, and influence the future of early years education in Victoria.
Qualifications and Experience
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and application addressing the key selection criteria (of no more than 4 pages in length).
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 Sarah Dempster - Acting Director, Professional Practice via [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 requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 08-JUL-2025.