Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/SEPS/1910387
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
About the Division
Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division (WHED)
WHED leads the department's efforts to support student wellbeing, health, engagement and inclusion. This includes supporting:
Student Mental Health Branch (SMHB)
The Student Mental Health Branch leads the department's efforts to support student mental health and wellbeing, including positive mental health promotion and build mental health capability. The branch provides mental health policy advice, delivers programs, supports schools and works in collaboration with partners across the education system and community sector who contribute to and influence positive outcomes for students.
Key responsibilities include:
Student Mental Health Fund and Menu Unit
The Student Mental Health Fund and Menu Unit sits within the Student Mental Health Branch and is responsible for leading the design, development and delivery of the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu, which underpins the Department's response to Recommendation 17 from the Royal Commission.
Key responsibilities:
About the Role
This role provides an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong leadership and people management skills to lead a team of policy and program advisors to drive the ongoing development and implementation of the one of the department's landmark student mental health reforms - the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu.
This ro le will also work collaboratively with the broader leadership team and gain exposure to valuable mental health reform and wellbeing projects in a branch with a strong welcoming culture.
Experience and skills in strategic planning, policy and project management, government procurement processes, stakeholder management and problem solving are crucial to be successful in this role.
The Manager will lead the Fund and Menu team to:
The role may also be required to contribute to other priority projects across the wider division as required.
Attributes
Strong experience and skills in policy and project management, government procurement processes, people management, strategic planning, stakeholder management, and problem solving are a crucial part of this role.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Essential: Relevant tertiary qualification in education, social policy, health/mental health or related field.
Understanding of VPS operations and processes, including the policy and processes of the Victorian Government Purchasing Board is preferred.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter (max 3 pages) addressing the key selection criteria as outlined the attached position description.
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 Deborah Maher [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 Monday 09 March 2026