As the key liaison between the VRU and DE, the Principal Policy and Project Officer works alongside and in collaboration with the broader VRU team to achieve service integration and partnership in both education and other VRU programs. The Principal Policy and Project Officer's line manager is the Executive Director, Operation and Governance, Schools and Regional Services, Department of Education, but the role will take direction and instructions directly from VRU executives and managers as required. The role utilises strong policy, project, and organisational awareness to: * provide expert operational and strategic advice to VRU about education portfolio policies, programs, practices and governance * develop briefings and other written communications * lead and manage multifaceted policy projects * develop materials and implement training sessions * lead delivery of information sessions and liaise with key stakeholders including schools/service providers to monitor implementation and support learning * identify risks * resolve issues as they arise. Through effective stakeholder communication and productive team engagement, the role ensures accurate and timely project delivery in alignment with VRU and DE strategic priorities. Experience The Principal Policy and Project Officer will have experience in both policy and operations, working directly with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery through utilising well-established skills and authority to drive project implementation and problem solving. The incumbent should have a strong organisational awareness of the Department of Education and the Education portfolio and government more broadly, to enable sound and responsive advice. As the role works between the Department of Education and the VRU, the incumbent must be able to maintain a high level of discretion and judgement in navigating complex operational environments. Key attributes for this role include: * Working Collaboratively: Builds a culture of collaboration across the department and facilitates opportunities to collaborate with external stakeholders. * Partnering and Co-Creation: Champions the importance of partnership through co-creation approaches. * Political and Organisational Context: Uses strategic relationships and knowledge to predict and prepare for the impact of events on the department. * Policy Design and Development: Builds trusting relationships with senior stakeholders, across VPS, to engender support for proposals. * Stakeholder Management: Identifies and manages a range of complex and often competing stakeholder needs. Facilitates innovative solutions to resolve stakeholder issues. Desirable: A tertiary qualification in public administration or similar discipline. Strong organisational awareness of DE and the Education portfolio. Operational knowledge of Youth Justice related education programs. 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 Jeanette Nagorcka via jeanette.nagorcka@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 Thursday 5th February 2026.