The VCAA is a statutory body responsible to the Victorian Minister for Education, serving both government and non-government schools. In this context, the VCAA is responsible for developing high-quality curriculum and assessment products and services.

The VCAA is a registered foundational and senior secondary awarding body with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). As part of its functions, the VCAA develops policies, criteria and standards for:

• curriculum, assessments and courses for school-aged students
• learning, development and assessments which relate to early childhood

The VCAA develops strong relationships with the government, Independent and Catholic school sector, other national and interstate curriculum authorities, academics in the field, teacher/subject associations and, most importantly, with Victorian educators.

All VCAA employees are expected to perform their duties in accordance with relevant legislation, governance requirements, policies and procedures, safety obligations, the Code of Conduct for Victorian public sector employees, and the Victorian Public Sector Values.

All roles are expected to work collaboratively across teams and functions, build productive relationships, and contribute to shared organisational outcomes.

About the Division

Assessment Division is responsible for the end-to-end development, delivery, and reporting of F-10, VCE examinations, GAT and NAPLAN tests. This includes the full assessment lifecycle: development of frameworks and blueprints, panel appointments, content development, editorial and design services, logistics, administration, marking, data processing, and reporting of outcomes. The division also manages:

• VCE and VPC student records and enrolment data
• issuing of VCE and VPC certificates
• digital assessment platforms, including the Insight platform and Digital Assessment Library.

Role Purpose

The Senior Strategy Advisor plays a key role across the Assessment division, leading strategic advice provision, project management, stakeholder engagement, and progress reporting to drive strategic initiatives aligned with departmental objectives

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide high-quality strategic advice and senior support to the executive on complex, sensitive and priority matters, including writing and quality assuring policies, briefs, correspondence, submissions and other materials requiring approval or endorsement.
• Lead the project management and or coordination of divisional priorities, reform activity, strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring timely delivery, effective governance, and the management of risks, actions and dependencies.
• Prepare, review and coordinate complex briefings, reports and responses to corporate, departmental and government requests, applying sound judgement to interpret and manage sensitive and contentious information.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships on behalf of the Executive Director, including liaison with senior internal and external partners, coordination of regular meetings, and facilitation of timely responses to requests and emerging issues.
• Oversight and support the effective operation of the Executive Director's office and divisional governance processes, contributing to strategic planning, organisational coordination and the timely management of priority business.

The job operates within a dynamic environment that requires flexibility, the capacity to exercise sound judgement and the ability to take effective, timely action.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential: Relevant tertiary qualification or experience in education, project management, policy or related discipline.

How to Apply

Applicants are encouraged to include a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria provided in the position description.

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 El-Sheikh, Senior Advisor, VCAA on Isabella.El-Sheikh@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 06-Oct-2026