Shape an inclusive, equitable and high-performing workforce

We're seeking a strategic and experienced leader to drive the department's diversity, inclusion and engagement agenda. This is a pivotal role that will influence long-term workforce strategy, embed inclusive practices across the employee lifecycle, and deliver meaningful outcomes aligned to whole-of-government priorities.

About the role

As the Manager, Employee Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement, you will lead the design, coordination and delivery of key initiatives that strengthen workforce diversity, inclusion and employee experience across the department.

You will oversee a dynamic, high-performing team and work in close partnership with senior leaders, business areas and staff networks to translate strategy into practical, impactful action.

This role plays a critical part in delivering the department's commitments under the Aboriginal Employment Plan, Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and broader VPS frameworks.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic diversity, inclusion and engagement initiatives
• Drive implementation of departmental commitments aligned to whole-of-government frameworks
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex inclusion, equity and workforce matters
• Partner with business areas, People Services and Workplace Relations teams to embed inclusive practices
• Strengthen governance, reporting and compliance across diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Build capability of leaders and stakeholders to support inclusive and equitable workplaces
• Foster strong collaboration with staff networks and action owners across the department
• Represent the department in cross-government initiatives and partnerships

About you

You are a strategic thinker with strong organisational awareness and the ability to influence across complex environments. You bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach and are confident navigating government systems and stakeholder landscapes.

You will demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading diversity, inclusion or workforce strategy initiatives
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at senior levels
• Experience managing teams and delivering through others
• Ability to translate strategy into practical, measurable outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including providing advice on complex issues
• Strong project management and organisational skills in dynamic environments

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. humanities, law, public policy)
• Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. gender equality, human rights, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination)
• Experience working within government or large, complex organisations

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful, system-level change and help shape a more inclusive and equitable workforce. You'll work at the centre of strategy, policy and delivery—making a real impact on people, culture and outcomes across the department.

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.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application. The position description aligns to the Manager HR role within the Human Resources job family.

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

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 Ali Hinton – Director, Employee Learning and Inclusion via email at ali.hinton@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 midnight on 24 April 2026.