Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Administration
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/ECE/1902671
About the Role
This is a fixed term position until 31 July 2027.
The successful applicant will play a critical role in identifying and implementing strategic opportunities to strengthen and streamline kindergarten policies, programs and processes. Core functions include driving continuous improvement of policy settings to ensure they are effective, efficient, and aligned with government priorities.
Key responsibilities will include:
In this role, you will lead the development, implementation and oversight of key policy and project work that underpins the Government's early childhood education reforms, including Best Start, Best Life and the introduction of Pre-Prep. You will support the development of strategic operational policy advice, support engagement with senior leaders and key stakeholders, and contribute to implementing and operationalising kindergarten policies, programs and projects.
Attributes
The succesful candidate will require strong project management skills and is comfortable in taking initiative when undertaking work, including contract management and program implementation. The role includes the leading of teams across operations and project delivery - as well as ensuring interactions are positive for stakeholders and peers. The successful candidate will also need to apply a problem solving mindset to policy and project challenges that arise.
This role will be required to work collaboratively with internal, and as appropriate external, stakeholders. This includes DE Central office and Regional teams, Commonwealth Government agencies, Victorian Government Departments, local government representatives and other key community service organisations. They will be expected to develop strong connections and networks in this diverse stakeholder environment.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
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 Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.
The Division consists of two branches:
Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:
Key responsibilities of the Sector Monitoring Branch include:
ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across ECE, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and su pport to Early Childhood Implementation Branches.
ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders.
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 Hien Nguyen, Acting Manager, Early Learning Operational Strategy at [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 19 January 2026.