Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $116,413 - $140,849
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/FNSPP/1949249
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 Koorie Outcomes Division sits within the First Nations Strategy, Policy and Programs Group and leads the department's strategic agenda for First Nations education and early childhood education including developing, coordinating and evaluating policy and service initiatives to improve outcomes for First Nations learners. This includes coordinating the implementation of Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan 2026-2036 (Marrung), Victoria's ten-year plan that aims to improve learning, development and educational outcomes for Koorie Victorians.
The Division provides strategic leadership across the department to ensure policy, programs, services and curriculum are inclusive of Koorie learners and builds leadership and supports workforce capacity to enable the implementation of quality learning and development programs for Koorie learners.
The Division actively works with providers and stakeholders to develop advice, resources and targeted programs and services to improve learning, development and transition outcomes of Koorie Victorians. This includes building partnerships with the Koorie community and working collaboratively across government to build strong networks to enable wide participation in the development and delivery of Koorie programs and initiatives.
About the Role
This is a fixed term full time role until 30 June 2028.
The Senior Program Advisor works within the Community and Regional Engagement Unit, First Nations Programs and Partnerships Branch, in the Koorie Outcomes Division. This unit facilitates community engagement initiatives that build strong networks and enable broad community participation in the design and delivery of First Nations programs and initiatives. It leads contract and stakeholder management of early childhood and school-based programs delivered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other providers. Through a strengths-based approach, it supports regional workforces and delivers strategies, programs and resources that enhance cultural inclusion and enable First Nations learners to fully participate in education and achieve excellence.
This role requires extensive stakeholder consultation and co-design with First Nations communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations including Traditional Owner groups, schools, and regional staff. The successful candidate will have significant stakeholder management and relationship building experience, a developed understanding of practices that align to self-determination in the context of the school system, and strong program and project management skills and experience.
This is a prioritised position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. While the position is open to all applicants, Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration during the shortlisting process in accordance with the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
Attributes
This role requires extensive stakeholder consultation and co-design with First Nations communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations including Traditional Owner groups, schools, and regional staff. The successful candidate will have significant stakeholder management and relationship building exper ience, a developed understanding of practices that align to self-determination in the context of the school system, and strong program and project management skills and experience.
Please see the attached position description for further detail on the role requirements and capabilities.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Essential: Demonstrated understanding of First Nations self-determination and ability to engage effectively with First Nations stakeholders.
Desirable: Relevant tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience in education.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description or you can contact Millie Olcay, Manager, Community and Regional Engagement via 03 7041 2501 or [email protected].
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
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
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 12 October 2026