About the RoleThis is a fixed term full time role until 30 June 2027. This role sites in the Site Identification team which is responsible for assessing and determining site suitability for early childhood infrastructure. The Senior Project Adviser will work closely and collaboratively as part of a team responsible for the infrastructure component of Government's major kindergarten reform program. The Project Advisor leads the identification of infrastructure solutions and site selection to support the delivery of the Best Start, Best Life Program via robust evidence and analysis. The incumbent is responsible for developing the strategies including collecting and analysing data associated with early years demand and potential projects and making recommendations, reporting on project outcomes, and providing general support to ensure successful project delivery, including mentoring project support officers. The key accountabilities and skills of the position are to: * Developing and implementing project planning and management, and governance frameworks. * Identify risks and issues and implement strategies to successfully overcome these. * Working collaboratively across the Branch to incorporate all key data and information into reports, briefs, correspondence and other critical reporting and governance processes. * Building relationships across the Department and with other stakeholders. * Establishing processes to monitor and track the implementation of critical infrastructure projects. * Having excellent written and oral communication skills. * Being familiar with and able to analyse data. * Working with management to implement a culture of continuous improvement. * Discrete tasks to support the Best Start, Best Life reforms. All VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter. Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team. Attributes The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of dashboard reporting, data analysis and management practices along with strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Desirable: Previous experience and/or qualifications in early years infrastructure planning / analysis are highly desirable. About the Unit The Pre-Prep Site Identification (PPSI) team undertakes analysis of supply and demand for kindergarten at an SA2 level across Victoria (in close collaboration with KEPPR). This work provides the evidence-base to support the recommendation and selection of a pipeline of state-delivered infrastructure projects to address the unmet demand for kindergartens across Victoria, with the introduction of 30 hours of government supported Pre-Prep between 2025 - 2036. This includes collecting information to help identify sites that could host a government-run and owned childcare center (Early Learning Victoria Centers). About the Division The Strategy and Planning Division is responsible for the VSBA's operating framework, investment strategy, policy setting, asset information management, budget strategy and coordination, along with the delivery of specific school strategies, costings, allocate resources for growth, maintenance, and projects through school application- based programs. The Division also plans and co-ordinates delivery of new early childhood facilities and support for the wider early childhood sector to build, improve and upgrade infrastructure through a number of grants programs, including programs which provide funding to make kindergartens for inclusive for children of all abilities. About the Branch The Early Childhood Infrastructure Planning - Strategy and Governance Branch collaborates with the other two branches in the Early Childhood Infrastructure Planning area (namely the ECI Planning State Projects Branch, and the ECI Planning - Sector Partnerships and Grants Branch), as well as with other departmental areas, to lead the strategic implementation of early childhood reforms. Key accountabilities include managing, planning, and delivering the roll-out of the Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) infrastructure reforms (including policy development), monitoring the Department's progress on reform milestones, leading the input into the State Budget process for the VSBA component of Early Childhood Infrastructure funding requests, contribute to the PAEC reporting and briefing process for Early Childhood Infrastructure, leading and coordinating key reporting tasks (such as for regular ministerial and governance meetings), developing key foundational policies and guidelines, and coordinating provision of advice on priority kindergarten demand areas and potential infrastructure responses. This branch also plays a crucial role in identifying and evaluating suitable government school sites in Victoria for potential new or expanded kindergarten facilities and in planning, managing and executing the acquisition of land to support the implementation of the BSBL reforms. This branch also plays a crucial role in identifying and evaluating suitable government school sites in Victoria for potential new or expanded kindergarten facilities and in planning, managing and executing the acquisition of land to support the implementation of the Best Start Best Life (BSBL) reforms. About the Victorian School Building Authority The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is part of the Department of Education. Established in 2016, it oversees Victoria's largest school building program since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s. The VSBA upgrades and expands existing schools and plans, designs and builds new schools to meet enrolment demand. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programs and grants. With Victoria recently introducing two years of funded kindergarten, the VSBA is also working with the early childhood sector on a massive kindergarten construction program. 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 Jade Schmedemann, A/Manager, Site Identification, jade.schmedemann@education.vic.gov.au. or 03 7022 0248. 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 Thursday 11th December 2025.