About the Division

The Communications Division collaborates with key stakeholders to strategically shape and deliver communication and community engagement opportunities.

The Division is responsible for the delivery of communications on behalf of the department to support and improve Victoria's education.

The partnership allows the Division to support the Victorian Government priorities in early childhood development, and school education. This includes engaging with the Department's workforce, supporting the implementation of policies and reforms, protecting and strengthening the reputation of our education and providing communications support and advice to the Victorian Government.

About the Role

Fixed term role to 30 June 2027

An exciting opportunity exists for a full-time VPS5 Senior Communications Strategist – Priority Audiences to join the Portfolio Communications Early Childhood Education team in the Communications Division. The role requires a specific skillset and experience, including understanding and capacity to develop and deliver strategic communications that respectfully reaches culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), minority and underrepresented audiences. Successfully engaging these families and community groups, including multicultural communities, to promote the benefits of early childhood education and ensure children participate in kindergarten programs is at the heart of the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms.

The role includes procurement, appointment and all facets of contract management of external specialist suppliers, as well as delivery of advertising campaigns that reach specific cohorts of the Victorian community. In addition, the Pre-Prep program, which includes prioritised access for children from specific priority cohorts, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, is a key communications and engagement deliverable for this role. The work this role delivers is high profile, reflective of the Department's focus on access and equity for young children and building an early childhood workforce (recruitment need) to reflect Victoria's proudly diverse community.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Relevant tertiary qualification in communications. Strategic communications experience in CALD.

Applicants are required to submit their resume and no more than two pages detailing how their skills and experience address the Key Selection Criteria in the position description and this job advertisement.

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 Isabella Twomey, A/Assistant Director ECE - isabella.twomey@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 21 January 2025