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 are able to 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 is 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), working with the VCAA. There is a particular focus on delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition. ELPAP leads 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.
This role is located in the Inclusion Policy and Reform Unit, which is is one of 5 units within the Early Learning Participation Branch. The Branch is responsible for policy development, program delivery, and stakeholder engagement to support kindergarten access and participation.
About the Role
The Manager leads the work of the Kindergarten Inclusion Policy and Reform Unit, which comprises of 5 direct reports. Through effective stakeholder communication and productive team engagement, the incumbent will ensure effective and timely project delivery in alignment with departmental strategies and priorities. This will include:
- leading a research program that will inform the design of a new approach to delivering Kindergarten Inclusion Support, incorporating a strength-based assessment and a tiered service response
- comprehensive modelling of resourcing impacts related to reform options
- leading stakeholder engagement and broader sector communication
- overseeing suppliers contracted to deliver key interconnected elements of the research program
- providing advice regarding the impact and intersection of strategic contextual issues, such as the NDIS Review.
This fixed term position is available 30 June 2026.
Attributes
To be successful in this role, the incumbent will require the ability to:
- proactively identify, and critically evaluate operational and strategic contextual issues that will impact on policy reform options and program design
- articulates and conceptualise interdependent streams of work into a clear work program that defines success measures, roles and responsibilities, including governance processes to manage risks and maximise probability of success
- work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including experts in the design process, to understand user needs, obtain insights and input, as well as testing and validating policy and program options
- formulate and communicate policy options using a clear narrative that reaches senior decision makers.
Qualifications and Experience
- Required: Tertiary qualifications in public policy, early childhood or relevant field
- Required: Experience in leading teams responsible for significant reform projects in high profile and sensitive contexts
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 3 pages).
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 Charlene Smith - Acting Director, Participation Branch via [email protected]
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 20/06/2025.
