Career opportunity to join the Department of Education and lead the HR Policy and Strategy (VPS) Division which provides advice to business areas on workforce and industrial policy to allow business areas to meet their workforce needs.

The Department of Education is responsible for leading the delivery of education and development services to children, young people and adults both directly through government schools and indirectly through the regulation and funding of early childhood services, non-government schools and training programs across Victoria. The Department strives to be a values-based organisation that is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all.

The Director of HR Policy and Strategy (VPS) is a key leadership role within the People Strategy and Operations (VPS) Division which is responsible for the department's human resources policies and services for the department's Victorian Public Service (VPS) workforce. It provides end-to-end people services, strategic workplace relations advice and support, employee learning and inclusion programs and support, workforce data analytics and strategic planning, and manages corporate office working places and environmental sustainability.

The HR Policy and Strategy (VPS) Branch is responsible for providing strategic HR and workplace relations advice and support for the department's VPS workforce. The branch develops human resources policies, programs and strategies to recruit and support a high performing workforce, whilst promoting best practice and compliance with relevant legislation. In addition, the branch provides strategic advice and recommendations on workforce issues relevant to the department and the Victorian Public Sector more broadly.

About the Role

The Director leads the HR Policy and Strategy (VPS) branch and is responsible for providing expert technical HR advice on generalist, strategic and specialist people matters, conducting complex analysis and risk-based issues resolution, and developing strategy, policy and recommendations for the department. This role is also responsible for managing complex stakeholder relationships, including industrial relations organisations.   

About you

As an experienced expert, you will bring comprehensive knowledge and skills in HR/IR, the demonstrated ability to facilitate, collaborate, manage and lead relationships, negotiate outcomes, and make policy decisions that impact the department. In addition, you will be well versed in providing expert advice to Executive Boards and able to work to often tight deadlines with competing priorities.  Please see the Position Description for further information.

A tertiary qualification in a relevant field is desirable.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the role and the skills and experiences they will bring to the position in relation to the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages), plus a CV.  

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

For further information pertaining to the role or for applicants requiring adjustments, please contact ses.employment@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.

The Department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 , HRWeb and our Diversity and Inclusion page.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be obtained from the following websites: www.education.vic.gov.au and http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx.

Applications close at 11.59pm Wednesday 20 May 2026.