Lead the delivery of departmental programs and initiatives, involving the provision of policy and strategic support throughout the program lifecycle About the Role This position leads the delivery of departmental programs and initiatives, involving the provision of policy and strategic support throughout the program lifecycle. The position is part of a dynamic team that is responsible for developing advice regarding policy and program reforms that support the participation of children in kindergarten including children with additional needs. The successful candidate will demonstrate great skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Your capacity for collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and cultivating genuine relationships will be pivotal for your success. Attributes To be successful in this role, the incumbent will require the ability to: Provide policy advice and project support relating to kindergarten participation and the inclusion of children with additional and complex needs. Formulate and communicate policy options using a clear narrative that reaches senior decision makers. Work collaboratively to lead project and contract management of interdependent streams of work that form part of broader research projects. Contribute to a positive team culture and deliverables while working in a complex and dynamic policy environment Support and participate in whole-of-Victorian Government and interjurisdictional activities, including preparation of meeting briefs, analysis of papers and preparation of meeting advice and briefing of team manager and Exec as required Enable the execution of stakeholder management activities and the building of good internal and external relationships to influence policy direction and support team objectives Collaborative team work to meet shared goals and activities. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Required: A bachelor-level degree. Desirable qualifications include public policy, political science, early childhood education, or disability-related qualifications. Required: Experience in ensuring evidence, data and insights are embedded into policy design and program delivery, across strategic reform and delivery improvements. Required: Experience in planning and preparing a range of written and verbal communication materials for a process of internal engagement to support the policy and project development process. How to Apply Applications should include: a resume (no more than 2-pages); and a cover letter that responds to each of the Key Selection Criteria (no more than 2-pages). 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. 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 work of the Division is also underpinned by the central precondition of this, that all children can access, be included and engage in early learning. It leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and supports participation for children that experience vulnerability and disadvantage that have the most to gain from early learning. ELPAP comprises of two branches. The Professional Practice Branch leads 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), working with the VCAA. There is a particular focus on delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition. This role is in the Participation Branch, which leads the the development and implementation of participation and inclusion supports for all children., including implementation of needs-based funding for kindergartens. This includes working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children that might otherwise miss out on kindergarten to enrol and attend. 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 Christie Silk – Acting Manager via 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 Monday 22 September 2025.