About the Role

The Senior Kindergarten Improvement Advisor will lead and provide high level advice to the Early Childhood Improvement Branch team on complex matters within the Early Childhood sector. This role will maintain a portfolio of Early Childhood service providers with which they will lead improvement work and reform implementation. They will work to build the capacity of funded kindergarten services to continuously improve service quality, particularly through the implementation of the Early Childhood reforms.

The Senior Kindergarten Improvement Advisor will need to draw on experience and knowledge in an early learning context, administration of Early Childhood services and current pedagogical practices

This role will have some line management responsibilities within the team and be responsible for leading key improvement strategies across the Area.

This is a fixed term part-time (0.7FTE) opportunity until 30 June 2029.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Working as part of a team that includes the Early Childhood Improvement Manager, Area teams, regional Early Childhood Implementation Division and other key internal stakeholders, such as the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD)
• Providing advice to the Early Childhood Improvement Branch Manager on complex delivery issues, operational matters and perspectives on policy implications
• Managing staff and/or projects as required within the Early Childhood Improvement Branch
• Understanding current research and developments in the Early Childhood sector, identifying implications and opportunities
• Applying advanced problem-solving skills to manage and resolve complex problems
• Identifying risks and leading change management and stakeholder engagement matters
• Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with Early Childhood services and providers Fostering the development of collaborative relationships to deliver on the Early Childhood reforms
• Engaging in meaningful conversations with Local Government Areas and Early Childhood services and providers, using data and evidence to identify and address the needs of the services as it relates to educationally disadvantaged children and reform implementation
• Providing support, tools and advice to Early Childhood service providers to assist them to develop plans in response to their identified challenges

This role will have some line management responsibilities within the team and be responsible for leading key improvement strategies across the Area.

Attributes and Capabilities:

• Possess a strong understanding of the Early Childhood sector/system
• Effective leadership and strategic planning skills with the ability to adapt to changing work priorities
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify solutions to complex problems and continuously improve processes
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including the ability to build and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Early Childhood or other relevant tertiary qualification
• Recent relevant experience in a leadership role within an Early Childhood setting or other clearly relevant transferable experience, knowledge and skills
• The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check

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.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply Now button on this advertisement.

Applications should include a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (no longer than 2 pages) and resume.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description.

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 Elizabeth Kwiatkowski via elizabeth.kwiatkowski@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 Wednesday, 20 May 2026.