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 Division

The Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.

The Division consists of two branches:

• Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch
• Sector Monitoring and Support Branch

Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:

• kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide
• setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies
• Free Kinder
• kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting.

Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Sector Monitoring and Support Branch include:

• kindergarten contract management policy and oversight
• leading financial assessment and monitoring of funded kindergarten providers
• data insights and analytics
• centrally managed and procured kindergarten supports, including payroll and IT
• Early Years Management

• Central Enrolment and Registration

• coordination of ECE's contribution to key departmental processes including business planning, the annual report, budget submissions and parliamentary committees.

ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across ECE, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches.

ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders.

About the Role

Fixed term position until 11-Jan-2026

The Senior Project Advisor leads entity/group performance and engagement, contract management and program implementation. The role has wide-ranging responsibilities including supporting strategic projects for the executive team and the broader division, as well as ensuring collaboration with stakeholders and peers. In addition, this role provides high-level organisational, strategic and coordination support to the executive team. This includes:

• preparing materials for the executive team
• quality assuring the intent and content of briefings and correspondence for the division
• managing and prioritising workflow
• undertaking strategic projects for the executive team
• liaising with senior staff in the division and in other areas of the department, including the Deputy Secretary, the Secretary and the Minister's office.

This position also plays an important role in supporting the division's strategic planning, organisational development, finance, knowledge management and coordination.

Attributes

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic team player adept at swiftly adapting to changing priorities and fostering collaboration while providing support in challenging situations. They will be expected to develop strong connections and networks in a diverse stakeholder environment. Excelling in driving meaningful outcomes through effective collaboration, executing tasks with critical thinking, and embodying a people-centric leadership approach is key.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

 A suitable tertiary qualification in a related field is desired.

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 Angela Batterham, Director, Early Learning Funding and Operations via angela.batterham@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 29 April 2025.