About the Role This is a Fixed Term role until 17 December 2027. An exciting opportunity exists for a highly skilled senior leader who will be responsible for operationalising key ECEC regulatory changes across VECRA's regional regulatory workforce. The Principal Practice Advisor, Strategic Projects will work closely with the VECRA regional workforce to oversee the design and delivery of key early childhood regulatory commitments with an operational focus, including through leading implementation and change management activities, undertaking internal and external stakeholder consultation, facilitating workshops and information sessions to build knowledge, and overseeing work tracking and reporting. The role will also support the work of the VECRA regional and area managers as needed, including backfill arrangements. Key accountabilities will include: * leading the development and implementation of operationally focused ECEC regulatory changes and government commitments, including developing project, implementation and change management plans, creating new operational policies, business rules and templates, and completing regular progress reporting. * working and liaising with relevant teams across VECRA operations both regionally and centrally to ensure implementation reflects best practice and meets the needs of the regional workforce. * facilitating workshops and information sessions with the regional workforce on the regulatory changes to build their skills and knowledge. * engaging external stakeholders to seek input and advice or to update them on key operational changes. * preparing a range of written materials for internal and external audiences, including briefings, presentations, templates, and stakeholder communications. * overseeing all aspects of work delivery, including ensuring that all timelines and milestones are met. * other duties as directed by the Senior Manager, Strategic Projects. About the Branch Located across the four VECRA regions and the central office, the Operations Branch manages and supports nine area-based regional teams to deliver VECRA's core frontline regulatory work. The regional teams comprise authorised officers, compliance officers and support staff who assess and rate National Quality Framework (NQF) services against the National Quality Standard (NQS), conduct inspections to monitor compliance with the National Law, Children's Services Act and Child Safe Standards, as well as investigating alleged non-compliances. Regional teams engage with the sector to support, educate and guide providers of early childhood services. Centrally, the Branch supports the regulatory workforce through capability and capacity building activities and the provision of policy advice, resources and training to address emerging regulatory practice issues and promote consistent practice. The Branch also supports the leadership of the Regulatory Authority. About the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Victoria. VECRA works to ensure the safety, wellbeing and development of children through effective regulation, compliance, quality assessment and continuous improvement across the early childhood sector. VECRA plays a critical system management role, providing guidance, oversight and assurance to the sector while supporting high-quality early childhood education outcomes for Victorian children and families Attributes To be successful in this role, you will have: * demonstrated knowledge of ECEC regulatory theory and practice, including the National Law and Regulations, NQS, national learning frameworks and Child Safe Standards * demonstrated experience in driving large-scale regulatory change and/or quality improvement activities * demonstrated leadership skills, including experience leading people and complex programs of work * experience in operational policy development, including identifying areas for improvement and developing policy recommendations and proposals * highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify innovative and timely and practical solutions to complex problems * high level organisational skills and a proven ability to work independently to make decisions and manage systems, processes and resources to deliver outcomes * highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate effectively at all levels with a range of internal and external stakeholders * strong written communication skills, including strong attention to detail and an ability to communicate complex information clearly, accurately and professionally * facilitation skills and strong verbal communication skills, including an ability to engage a range of audiences on regulation, policy and implementation topics. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Desirable: Relevant qualifications and/or extensive demonstratable experience in ECEC leadership, project and change management, facilitation and regulation, public policy or similar. Essential: Successful applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check and Victorian driver's licence. How to apply Applicants are encouraged to include a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria provided in the position description. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application. VECRA 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 VECRA, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the VECRA website and our Diversity and Inclusion page. Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person. Information about VECRA's operations and employment conditions can be located on the VECRA website. For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Jude Nicholson, Senior Manager, Strategic Projects at Jude.Nicholson@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 VECRA 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 24/02/2026