Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $142,790 - $191,084
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/ECE/1928223
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
The Early Childhood Strategy Division (ECSD) is a small and influential strategic policy unit within ECE Group that leads a wide range of complex and high profile strategic early childhood policy and reform projects. We work on connecting government systems across the Children's Portfolio, analysing Victorian kindergarten funding settings and the impact of national funding arrangements, and undertake strategic projects related to early childhood systems, markets and cohorts. In addition to building policy capability across ECE group and the department, ECSD is responsible for delivering high quality analysis and advice to a range of key stakeholders and Ministers.
Our work has a strong focus on increasing equity and quality across the education system to improve outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage and plays a critical role in ensuring the ECEC system is working well to ensure the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and care for all children in Victoria.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity exists to join the Early Childhood Strategy Division until end June 2027.
This is a valuable opportunity to lead high-impact, foundational work to shape the department's relationship with the newly independent Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority, by driving governance settings that centre child safety and educational quality, alongside accountability and effective public administration.
Other focuses include the development of Victorian policy positions and contributing to strategic work on national and Victorian early childhood reforms, including regulatory and other policy proposals, stakeholder consultation, planning and project management and informing implementation activity.
The role requires strong policy capability and may suit candidates from a range of backgrounds, including in social or regulatory policy, legislative development, and governance, or in early childhood education and care policy specifically.
Attributes
To be successful in the role, you will have demonstrated experience in planning and executing complex, multi-faced policy projects, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, refined organisational awareness and the ability to partner with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to adapt under shifting priorities and timelines. You will work collaboratively and flexibly with other teams across the division to contribute to shared priorities.
How to apply
Applicants are encouraged to submit:
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 D epartment, 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 Raili Simojoki - Director 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 Monday 15 June 2026.