VPS6 Fixed Term - Full Time (Up to 2 years)

About the Department

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

About the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA)

The VSBA operates as a Group within the Department of Education (DE). Established in August 2016, the VSBA has been tasked by the Victorian Government to:

• build on existing infrastructure planning and delivery strengths;
• have a stronger, dedicated focus on project planning, delivery and community engagement;
• increase reporting to Government with stronger asset policy integration; and
• provide a major uplift in Statewide and local communications.

The VSBA brings together DE's existing expertise in project management, the latest ideas in school design, and a dedicated community engagement team to deliver the right schools for local communities. In June 2018, the VSBA developed an overarching four-year strategic framework, which identifies VSBA's five Group objectives. It also captures VSBA's vision, “to build a bright and better education future for Victoria”.

About the Division

The Project Delivery Division is responsible for delivering educational infrastructure projects, including the acquisition and management of land as well as delivery of capital infrastructure projects. This includes upgrade and modernisation projects on existing school sites as well as new schools.

In addition, in June 2022, the Victorian Government announced the Best Start, Best Life reform, which includes:

• free Kindergarten for all three- and four-year olds from 2023
• transitioning to 30-hours of ‘Pre-Prep' for four-year-olds progressively from 2025
• delivery of 50 government owned, affordable and accessible early learning facilities         

As part of these reforms, the State has committed to take on a more active role in planning for early childhood infrastructure.

This involves greater information sharing between State and local government to build a better understanding of current and future State-wide demand, exploring a variety of response options, and providing targeted support where the existing market is not able to respond

About the Role

The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing departmental programs and initiatives. The incumbent provides guidance and strategic support throughout the program lifecycle, as well as ensuring alignment with objectives in the relevant entity/group and across the department.

Reporting to the Director, Kindergarten Infrastructure Delivery Branch, this position may lead a team of up to six people in the planning and delivery of early childhood infrastructure by:

• Coordinating all aspects of execution across the project lifecycle from feasibility, through to tendering, to project close to ensure expectations are understood and agreed, the program is maintained, key milestones are met, and that delivery, performance and financial targets are achieved.
• Preparing project feasibility information, including establishing budgets and developing business cases.
• Collaborating with internal and external teams and resources on a range of matters, such as planning, design, legal and communications.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders in order to manage risks and resolve issues impacting successful project delivery. This is likely to include managing sensitive negotiations with stakeholders with competing priorities.
• Providing clear advice and reporting on project planning, delivery status, benefits and outcomes for a range of stakeholders, including Ministers, the Secretary, senior officers and project teams.
• Connecting insights from analysis into strategy development, investment advice and prioritisation processes.
• Leading and managing a team of people and developing their skills and knowledge to ensure the team is able to provide credible, authoritative and well-evidenced advice and deliver on projects and outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a background across the full development project lifecycle, including coordinating and directing consultants, contractors and external stakeholders. Your proven project management skills, knowledge of public sector infrastructure funding and delivery systems and ability to lead a high performing team, together with your tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, will be highly regarded in securing this opportunity.

The role includes a high degree of stakeholder engagement with the VSBA Executive Team, Business Unit Managers, and Divisions across the Department.

All VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter.  Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team.

Attributes

The ideal candidate must have strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a complex environment.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Desirable : relevant tertiary qualification and considerable/demonstrated experience in similar role within government.

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 Daniel Murambadoro - Director, Kindergarten Infrastructure Delivery via (03) 7008 8390 or daniel.murambadoro@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 Thursday, 23rd January 2025.