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 Operations and Governance Division The Operations and Governance Division (OGD) is accountable for the design and delivery of a range of school and student-focused services, programs and policies, alongside key corporate functions. It provides day-to-day support to schools and regions across school governance and operational matters, including advice on school operational policy, school council operations and governance, complaint management and improvement processes, and support for principals managing complex matters involving frequent or challenging communication with parents, families and advocates. Youth Participation Unit The Youth Participation Unit manages a portfolio of work related to providing education to young people ‘at-risk of' or contact with the justice system, school exemptions and late enrolments, implementation of attendance monitoring requirements, expulsion reform and provision of outside school hour's care for children with disabilities. The unit designs and implements key reform and projects in relation to youth participation and provides support to regions and school communities. About the Role An exciting opportunity exists for you as a Senior Program Advisor for a period of up to until 30 June 2028. The Senior Program Advisor leads the development and delivery of departmental programs and initiatives. This involves providing guidance and strategic support throughout the program lifecycle, as well as ensuring alignment with objectives in the local work area. This role will support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of initiatives that address the education needs of young people ‘at-risk' of or involved in the Children's Courts across Victoria as well as other related initiatives within the Youth Participation Unit as required. To be successful in this role you will: * Bring your expertise in building and maintaining authentic relationships to facilitate opportunities to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and overcome barriers to deliver tangible positive outcomes for the community. * Work collaboratively to create a culture of collaboration and identify, and work to overcome barriers through sharing knowledge and information. * Effectively manage and prioritise the impact of external events and changing stakeholder needs on the department and government. * Have the ability to manage and lead complex programs/projects. Attributes Do you have the ability to build authentic relationships with stakeholders to effect positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people? Do you have the ability to lead on complex projects/programs and make decisions that impact stake holders both within and beyond your immediate work area? Your capacity for collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and cultivating genuine relationships will be pivotal for your success in this role. Desirable Qualifications and Experience * Bachelor's degree in Education, Law, Social Science, Social Work or similar is required. * Experience in developing and/or delivering programs that support vulnerable young people is desirable * Experience in program or project management, particularly projects that may be complex and require risks to be managed to maximise success and achieve the desired outcomes * Experience in supporting schools and/or young people ‘at-risk' or involvement with the youth justice system is desirable * Proven ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders through effective communication and consulting abilities. 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 Melissa D'Agostino - Manager Education Justice Initiatives via (03) 5215 5282 or melissa.dagostino@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 Sunday 3rd May 2026.