Early Childhood Performance and Planning Advisor- Part time/ Fixed Term until 30/6/2027

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.

About the Group

Schools and Regional Services (SRS) offers central, regional, and local expertise to enhance learning and development outcomes, supported by a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. It comprises 17 areas within 4 regions, backed by 5 central office divisions, all collaborating to deliver improved outcomes for early childhood services, schools, communities, and learners, in line with Education State commitments. SRS regions serve as a bridge between the central office, schools, and service providers, ensuring smooth transitions for learners and achieving the department's ambitious targets. Each region includes divisions specialising in school performance, student wellbeing and early childhood support, working with area-based teams to tailor local interventions and practices. The 17 areas provide crucial insights into local trends and issues, facilitating effective policy and program development and driving child and learner outcomes across all services and programs.

This role is located in the Early Childhood Improvement Branch, Wimmera South West Area, South Western Victoria Region, SRS.

About the Branch

The Early Childhood Improvement Branch implements key government Early Childhood policy, initiatives, reforms, and strategies at a local level. The Early Childhood Improvement Branch ensures a dedicated team supports Early Childhood providers and services in Areas. The Branch has multiple responsibilities, including supporting services with kindergarten programs and the implementation of the suite of Early Childhood reforms including, Pre-Prep, three-year-old kindergarten and the Best Start, Best Life reforms, as well as driving improvement in service delivery and outcomes for children across the Early Childhood sector.

About the Role

This role is located in the Wimmera South West Area, 0.6 FTE, fixed term until 30 June 2027 based at either the Horsham or Warrnambool office.

The Early Childhood Performance & Planning Advisor position focuses on ensuring that all children and families have access to, and participate in, high quality early childhood education and care. The role builds partnerships with key stakeholders, provides advice and support to local government, community service organisations and early childhood providers. A key responsibility of the role is managing service agreements between the Department of Education and funded organisations. The Early Childhood Improvement Branch implements key government Early Childhood policy, initiatives, reforms, and strategies at a local level.

Attributes

To be successful in this role the ideal candidate will have the following attributes and capabilities:

• Strong project management skills
• Stakeholder management skills, the ability to build and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.and work collaboratively within a team.
• Capacity to effectively analyse data and utilise this to inform decision making skills and be able to work proactively and independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team. 
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and communication abilities will also be beneficial in this role.

Qualifications and Experience

Desirable: Relevant tertiary qualifications or experience in a related field.

• How to Apply

Applications should include: 

• a resume (no more than 2-pages) and 
• a cover letter that outlines why you are suitable for the role with reference to the requirements of the role attributes and Key Selection Criteria (no more than three 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 Rachel Mullin, Senior Kindergarten Improvement Advisor, Wimmera South West Area via (03) 5310 5317 or rachel.mullin@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 12 Novemeber 2025