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. The department supports a culture of leadership, learning and renewal in all workplaces with opportunities for career development and advancement. About the Division Operations and Governance Division The Operations and Governance Division (OGD) provides day-to-day support for schools and regions, encompassing school governance and operational issues, client enquiries and contact centre technologies, complaint management and improvement processes, support for principals in the management of complex matters that involve frequent communication with parents or advocates and advice about school operational policy and school council operations and governance. The division leads and coordinates a range of SRS group functions, including workforce planning and staff recruitment, support for the SRS governance framework, implementation of actions arising from audits, business planning and quality assurance of correspondence and briefings for portfolio ministers and senior executives. Youth Participation Unit The Youth Participation Unit manages a portfolio of work related to providing education to young people at-risk of or engaging with the justice system, school exemptions and late enrolments, 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 The Senior Program Advisor will support school leadership with informed decision-making about the provision of Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) at their school and within their local community. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working autonomously, building strong relationships, and supporting schools to deliver high quality, sustainable OSHC services that meet community needs and regulatory requirements. As a Senior Program Advisor, you will assume leadership and responsibility for a portfolio of schools. You will work closely with school leaders, school councils, and staff to strengthen OSHC provision through strategic advice, funding support, and capability building. In this role, you will: * Assess and recommend applications for OSHC-related grant funding * Build the capability of school leadership, school councils, and staff to deliver quality, cost-efficient OSHC services * Support schools with regulatory applications and compliance with departmental policies and relevant local, state, and federal legislation * Act as a facilitator between schools and their communities, stakeholders, peak bodies, and departmental contacts * Provide advice on the appropriate use of grant funding and assist schools with OSHC service budgets * Investigate and recommend alternative models for accessing OSHC and support schools through transitions between service models * Support schools participating in the Tailored Intensive Support Program, with a focus on regulatory compliance, leadership, and management of OSHC programs * Have active participation in Communities of Practice and the Tailored Intensive Support Program * Work collaboratively with external stakeholders to support effective OSHC operations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to: * Work autonomously while supporting a large portfolio of up to 50 schools through regular visits, phone contact and written correspondence * Develop and apply a strong understanding of departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks, and support schools to apply these consistently * Build positive, collaborative relationships with school staff, school leadership, regional colleagues, and other departmental stakeholders * Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation to support sound decision-making * Analyse and use data from multiple sources to solve problems, inform recommendations, and influence stakeholders. This is an opportunity to make meaningful impact by supporting schools and communities to deliver accessible, compliant, and high-quality OSHC services. You'll work in a dynamic environment, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and contribute to improved outcomes for children and families. Attributes Do you have the ability to build authentic relationships with stakeholders to effect positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people? Can you lead on complex projects/programs and make decisions that impact stakeholders 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 As the role requires supporting schools with problem solving and decision making about OSHC services, any of the following would be desirable: * Experience establishing or managing an OSHC service, or other type of regulated childcare service under the National Quality Framework * Qualifications in the provision of school age care, early childhood, teaching, community services or training/assessment * Financial management, or experience in schools finance or with managing program budgets * Familiarity with the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQAITS), or Provider Digital Access (PRODA) systems Applicants must include responses addressing each key selection criteria in their application. 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 Shobha Srinivasan on 0475 107 156/ shobha.srinivasan@education.vic.gov.au OR Monica Phillips on 0429 520 190/ monica.phillips2@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 at 11:59 p.m. on 12 February 2026.