Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/ECE/1914692
We are seeking a strategic thinker to lead provision of strategic advice, project management, stakeholder engagement, and progress reporting to drive strategic initiatives aligned with departmental objectives.
As the Senior Strategy Advisor (VPS5) you will be responsible for providing advice on strategic land and urban planning matters that impact on the Department of Education (department), including planning scheme amendments, Growth Areas Infrastructure Contributions and local development contributions, and State Government planning initiatives such as Plan for Victoria and Activity Centre Plans.
You will provide departmental input in relation to urban structure planning and framework planning activities, undertaking high quality planning, resource and infrastructure analysis relating to departmental resource policy and service delivery, particularly the provision of early childhood learning facilities, and contributing to key strategic projects relating to the department's provision planning capability.
The Policy and Provision Branch plays a key role in shaping the implementation of the Best Start, Best Life reforms, supporting the strategic direction and implementation of the reform activity as it specifically relates to whole of reform program management and monitoring, policy and integration, infrastructure and local planning, and modelling and provision.
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
Kindergarten Expansion and Funding Reform (KEFR) works collaboratively across the Department and with the sector to undertake place-based service delivery and monitoring, support the ongoing supply of early childhood teachers and educators and deliver infrastructure projects to ensure the success of these reforms.
About the Role
This is a full time fixed term position until 30 June 2029.
Working under the direction of the Manager, Infrastructure and Local Planning, the Senior Strategy Advisor supports policy development, data analysis and translation of findings into actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making to shape the design and implementation of the Best Start Best Life reforms.
You will be responsible for preparing accurate, high-level and timely advice via written documents and visual presentation tools to the department's Executive Board and Ministers, and building and maintaining effective relationships and actively contributing to improved communication within the department and with other central and portfolio agencies, State Government, planning agencies, local government and other key external stakeholders.
Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic planning, policy, analytical and communication skills, experience in using data and evidence to inform policy advice, and an ability to collaborate with stakeholders and work effectively in a team environment.
The role requires a proactive self-starter with a good understanding of government systems and processes and an ability to work in a complex, sensitive environment.
As our ideal candidate you will have:
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
How to Apply
Your application needs to include a resume, and a cover letter (max 2 pages) that responds clearly but succinctly to the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.
Further Information
This is a fixed term role until 30 June 2029. For more details regarding this position please see 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 Jamie Sutherland – Manager, Infrastructure and Local Planning via (03) 7022 0281 or [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 6 April 2026.