An exciting opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Social Policy Group, Education Branch, as a Senior Policy Officer in the Schools team at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The Education Branch provides high-quality, strategic analysis and advice on a range of education policy issues to support the Premier and Cabinet.

This role is part of the Schools team. We provide advice on schools policy, including funding and reform work. This includes supporting Victoria's position in negotiations with the Commonwealth on key intergovernmental matters, with a current focus on the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement. We also support broader work in the Education portfolio in collaboration with the Early Childhood Education and Care team.

The core duties of the role include providing high-quality policy advice and analysis to the Premier, the Secretary, DPC executives and senior officers across a range of issues within the Branch.

The role requires a proactive self-starter with good understanding of government processes and an ability to work in a complex, sensitive and fast paced environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong policy, analytical and communication skills coupled with an ability to influence stakeholders in government and work effectively in a team environment.

This is an opportunity to be contribute to a Branch with a supportive culture delivering impactful work.

About you

As our ideal candidate you will have:

• Demonstrated policy, conceptual and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesise and critically evaluate information and the potential implications and risks of proposed policy options.
• Exceptional written communication skills and demonstrated ability to preparing complex communication materials, including preparing impactful government briefings, with advice that is clear, concise and complete achieving the product's purpose.
• Highly developed influence and negotiation skills, with an ability to anticipate other positions, interests and preferred options, plan for how to deal with objections and linking ideas to others' values, needs and goals.
• Sound professional judgment, including demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations, and ability to implement efficient work processes and support continuous improvement.
• Highly developed stakeholder management skills and ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support government policy and priorities.

For more details regarding this position, please see attached position description for the key selection criteria to address in application.

The closing date for this position is Monday 17th November 2025.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date, all applications should include:

• a resume
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated. 

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.

DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.