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 and childcare centres. About the Early Childhood Education Group The Early Childhood Education Group (ECE) supports the provision of quality early childhood education and care services for Victorian children from birth to 5 years of age, in recognition that access to quality early learning is one of the most effective ways to give children the best start in life and support them to reach their potential, regardless of their background or circumstance. ECE plays a key role in reform planning and implementation, operational policy development, service and program design and commissioning, and direct delivery to create an early childhood education system that is child and family-centred and focused on outcomes. ECE oversees and works with partners to support the funded kindergarten sector, regulates early childhood education and care services, and implements relevant legislative reforms to create a comprehensive, integrated and equitable system. ECE leads the delivery of the Best Start, Best Life reforms, which are the most significant change to Victoria's early childhood sector in a generation. The Best Start, Best Life reforms include Free Kinder, Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, the introduction and roll-out of Pre-Prep and the establishment of 50 government-owned early learning and childcare centres. ECE is also responsible for the implementation of the Victorian Child Information Sharing reform, which enable the access to and sharing of information between authorised organisations to improve the wellbeing and safety of children. About the Role An exciting full-time opportunity is available for the position of Executive Assistant to the Deputy Secretary, ECE, fixed term until March 2027. Working in a close team at 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, the Executive Assistantprovides high-level administrative and executive support to the Deputy Secretary as a senior leader in the department. The role facilitates the effective operation of the Deputy Secretary's office by leading and supporting core business activities, and will be well-suited to an organised and adaptive individual with strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Flexible working arrangements are supported in accordance with the department's Flexible Work policy. More information about the role is provided at the attached Position Description. Attributes To be successful in the role, you will have the following skills and experience: Planning and Organising * Develops and implements systems and procedures to guide work and track progress * Identifies more and less critical activities and operates accordingly, reviewing and adjusting as required * Identifies processes, tasks and resources required to achieve a goal * Recognises barriers and finds effective ways to deal with them Service Excellence * Constantly looks for continuous improvement opportunities and ways to innovate, and encourages others to do the same * Makes specific changes in work methods to improve outcomes, quality and timeliness of service * Monitors client and stakeholder satisfaction * Takes responsibility for correcting problems promptly and without becoming defensive * Demonstrates advanced computer skills, in particular use of Microsoft suite of programs Self-Management * Anticipates own reactions to situations and prepares accordingly * Plans and prioritises work to ensure outcomes are achieved * Resists the temptation to react immediately without taking time to think things through * Uses strengths to contribute constructively, and consciously manages the impact of own weaknesses Customer Focus * Actively seeks to meet customer needs * Committed to delivering high quality outcomes for clients * Listens to customers * Seeks ways to improve services * Demonstrates high level written and verbal communication Relationship Building * Builds trust through consistent actions, values and communication * Establishes and maintains relationships with people at all levels * Forges useful partnerships with people across business areas, functions and organisations * Minimises surprises * Promotes harmony and consensus through diplomatic handling of disagreements Initiative and Accountability * Proactive and self-starting * Seizes opportunities and acts upon them * Takes responsibility for own actions Desirable Qualifications and Experience A relevant qualification in Business Studies or Office Administration. Further Information Further details on the key responsibilities, capabilities and selection criteria for this role are provided at the attached Position Description. Applicants are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae and a response to the Key Selection Criteria (as provided in the position description, to a maximum of 3 pages) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role. 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 Biddy McPhee-Lam – Senior Adviser, Office of the Deputy Secretary, ECE via 0456 885 754 or biddy.mcphee-lam@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 7 August 2025.