Manager, Student Programs

• Salary: $116,413 - $128,631 (Plus Superannuation)
• Fixed term until 30 June 2027
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne VIC 3000

The Role

The Manager, Student Programs is a key member of the Student Programs and Study Melbourne Hub team in the International Education and Study Melbourne branch. The team is responsible for a suite of student leadership, enrichment and employability programs as well as dedicated student support and wellbeing services.

The Manager Student Programs will manage a Study Melbourne grant program that supports the inclusion and wellbeing of international students, industry and student facing employability and enrichment activities. The role will also provide insights, strategic advice and analysis that drives delivery of the suite of student focused programs while modelling collaborative and supportive leadership in their day to day work. The role will involve managing programs delivered in partnership with the education sector, student organisations and industry to improve the experience and agency of international students in Victoria.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience of project management, designing and implementing grant programs, working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and have a strong commitment to high quality service planning and delivery and client engagement.  Experience in strategic program design, as well as an interest in systems and process improvements is critical to this role.

Main accountabilities:

• Lead the design, implementation and administration of programs and services, in accordance with Victorian Government policies and standards, that improve the experience of international students living and studying in Victoria.
• Manage grants, procurements and contracts, including financial and budget management.
• Contribute to strategic decision making and provide advice and analysis to influence policy and program development, including the preparation of reports and briefs.
• Initiate, develop and manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders; working in close partnership with industry and sector stakeholders to engage them in the design and application of programs and projects.
• Identify communications and marketing opportunities in relation to the promotion of enrichment activities available to international students.
• Provide high level advice as required on program and project issues to improve the student experience.

The Team

The position of Manager, Student Programs forms a part of the International Education and Study Melbourne branch within the Industry, Trade and Investment group.

The Trade, Global Engagement, International Education and Migration Branch connects Victoria to global opportunities. We do this by building the export capability of Victorian businesses, connecting Victorians to global trade opportunities through our international network of twenty-three offices, promoting our world class industry capabilities to international audiences and seeking to attract and retain the best global talent. We take a leadership role for global engagement across Government and advocate for the best policy settings for Victoria to be globally competitive. 

The Global Engagement team has responsibility for providing sound regional market intelligence to support export initiatives, coordinating international protocol and overseas Ministerial travel, driving effective engagement with international governments and organisations, delivering Asia Capabilities programs and initiatives, and managing the requirements of the International Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices. International VGTI offices provide investment, trade and whole of Victorian Government functions in identified markets. 

The Trade team is responsible for developing high level international policy; delivering trade strategies and facilitating market access for Victorian firms to increase Victoria's exports; designing and implementing targeted trade initiatives including inbound and outbound missions. 

The International Education and Study Melbourne team provides support and information to international students studying and living in Victoria; supports education providers to connect and expand global partnerships; and maintains Victoria's position as a destination and partner of choice. 

The Brand and Digital Engagement team manages the Study Melbourne, Global Victoria and Invest Victoria brands and implements client engagement initiatives including campaigns, partnerships, and events to promote trade, investment and international student services, programs, and projects.

About You

• Proven experience delivering complex or time sensitive programs to achieve stated business outcomes, preferably in a government environment, including procurements and grants management.
• High level conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts to program development and operational activities.
• High level communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships and delivery partnerships, influence outcomes and undertake complex negotiations.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce high level reports and briefs as well as communications and marketing outputs.
• Knowledge of, or ability to become familiar with, the needs of international students in Victoria, and community, welfare or industry networks in Victoria.
• Initiative and flexibility combined with the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment, and manage competing requirements of concurrent projects. 

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Clare Harper – Senior Manager, Student Programs and Study Melbourne Hub on 0401 366 121 or clare.harper@global.vic.gov.au  .

The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line.

How to Apply

Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter.

Applications close at 23:59pm on 3 June 2026.