About the Role The Senior Project Advisor role in the Budget and Data Strategy Unit reports to and works with the Manager, Budget and Data Strategy and Project Manager to provide strategic support for infrastructure planning and delivery for the Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms. Our key stakeholders include managers and executives within the Victorian School Building Authority and Department of Education, the Minister for Education and the Minister for Children. The key accountabilities for the Senior Project Advisor are to support the Manager, Budget and Data Strategy and Project Manager to: * provide strategic oversight of the BSBL infrastructure program, including tracking against key delivery milestones and monitoring program budget and program level risks * develop and maintain program oversight tools and processes, including key reporting and data management platforms and tools * develop key strategic documents to support the infrastructure component of the BSBL reform * prepare and present budget submissions, reports, internal and ministerial briefs, cabinet and agency submissions, using early childhood infrastructure data * contribute to continuous improvements for delivery through automation and process improvement. All VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter. Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team. All VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter. Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team. About the Unit The Budget and data Strategy Unit is responsible for the strategic budget and data management advice and products to support implementation of the infrastructure component of the early childhood reforms and key responsibilities include budget strategy and program oversight, asset maintenance, data management and strategic data improvement initiatives. About the Branch The Early Childhood Infrastructure Planning - Strategy and Governance Branch collaborates with the other two branches in the Early Childhood Infrastructure Planning area (namely the ECI Planning State Projects Branch, and the ECI Planning - Sector Partnerships and Grants Branch), as well as with other departmental areas, to lead the strategic implementation of early childhood reforms. Key accountabilities include managing, planning, and delivering the roll-out of the Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) infrastructure reforms (including policy development), monitoring the Department's progress on reform milestones, leading the input into the State Budget process for the VSBA component of Early Childhood Infrastructure funding requests, contribute to the PAEC reporting and briefing process for Early Childhood Infrastructure, leading and coordinating key reporting tasks (such as for regular ministerial and governance meetings), developing key foundational policies and guidelines, and coordinating provision of advice on priority kindergarten demand areas and potential infrastructure responses. This branch also plays a crucial role in identifying and evaluating suitable government school sites in Victoria for potential new or expanded kindergarten facilities and in planning, managing and executing the acquisition of land to support the implementation of the BSBL reforms. About the Division The Strategy and Planning Division is responsible for the VSBA's operating framework, investment strategy, policy setting, asset information management, budget strategy and coordination, along with the delivery of specific school strategies, costings, allocate resources for growth, maintenance, and projects through school application- based programs. The Division also plans and co-ordinates delivery of new early childhood facilities and support for the wider early childhood sector to build, improve and upgrade infrastructure through a number of grants programs, including programs which provide funding to make kindergartens for inclusive for children of all abilities. About the Victorian School Building Authority The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is part of the Department of Education. Established in 2016, it oversees Victoria's largest school building program since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s. The VSBA upgrades and expands existing schools and plans, designs and builds new schools to meet enrolment demand. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programs and grants. With Victoria recently introducing two years of funded kindergarten, the VSBA is also working with the early childhood sector on a massive kindergarten construction program. About the Department The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society. Attributes The ideal candidate will: * have a solid understanding of and experience with government budget submission processes and have demonstrated experience or knowledge regarding the BSBL reforms (or a willingness to get up to speed quickly) * have strong data management, project management, leadership, conceptual and analytical, and communication skills * be able to work in a complex, high profile environment and balance competing priorities. The team is supportive of and will consider flexible work arrangements. Desirable Qualifications and Experience * Desirable : Bachelor's degree Applicants are required to submit a CV (max 2 pages) and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. 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 Patricia Mascarenhas Acting Manager, Budget and Data Strategy via Patricia.Mascarenhas@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. How to apply Applicants are encouraged to include a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria provided in the position description.Applications close midnight 17/02/2026