About the Role Reporting to the Manager, Professional Practice Programs, the Senior Project Officer will support delivery of impactful professional practice to support to the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep workforce as part of Victoria's Best Start Best Life reforms. Grounded in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), we provide high-quality resources, professional learning initiatives, and strategic policy advice to elevate teaching practice across the state. Key projects of responsibility will include: * leading the design, delivery, and evaluation of complex projects and initiatives that strengthen early childhood professional practice. * developing high-quality resources, professional learning programs, and advice to support implementation of the VEYLDF and the Teaching Excellence Approach. * providing evidence-informed policy and strategic advice to support government priorities and sector reform directions. * proactively managing significant projects and contracts, ensuring effective governance, timely delivery, and evaluation of impact. * supporting cross-team collaboration and contribute to broader branch priorities, ensuring alignment with reform directions. Employment type: Ongoing- Full time role. Attributes The ideal candidate demonstrates strong adaptability and excels in collaborative teamwork, partnering effectively with stakeholders to co-design high-quality adult learning and professional practice initiatives. They apply critical thinking to identify and resolve issues within policies and procedures. With proven capability in project delivery, they effectively plan and prioritise tasks, coordinate activities, and monitor outcomes to ensure value and stakeholder satisfaction. This role also requires the ability to produce high-quality written work and adapt and tailor products and advice to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The candidate will also demonstrate sound knowledge of the Victorian early childhood education system and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), including contemporary evidence-based early childhood pedagogy, and applies this understanding to inform project design, professional learning and stakeholder engagement. Qualifications and Experience * Essential: sound knowledge of the VEYLDF, including contemporary evidence-based early childhood pedagogy, with the ability to integrate to inform project design, professional learning and stakeholder engagement. * Desirable: Tertiary Education or experience in a related field and a sound understanding of the Victorian early childhood education system. How to Apply Applications should include: * a resume (no more than 3-pages); and * a cover letter that responds to each of the key selection criteria (no more than 3 pages). About the Division The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP) Division guides, supports, and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The Division's work is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that all children are able to access, be included in, and engage with early learning. ELPAP leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and to support participation for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, those who stand to benefit most from early learning. The Division is also responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF). To carry out this work, the Division is organised into two branches: the Early Learning Participation Branch and the Professional Practice Branch. Together, these branches lead work across several key focus areas: * Delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition * Developing and implementing participation and inclusion supports for all children * Implementing needs-based funding for kindergartens * Working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children who might otherwise miss out on kindergarten, ensuring their enrolment and attendance This role sits within the Professional Practice Branch. 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. 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 Jodie Douglas - Manager Professional Practice Programs via (03) 7005 1821 or jodie.douglas@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 Sunday, 03 May 2026.