Senior Kindergarten Improvement Advisor

About the Role

The Senior Kindergarten Improvement Advisor 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. To be successful in this role you should have excellent leadership, management and interpersonal skills, negotiation and change management skills, analytical skills, and possess a strong understanding of the Early Childhood system in Victoria.

This is a Fixed Term full-time role until 01 July 2029.

Attributes

• Advanced people leadership skills
• High level of integrity
• Deep understanding of stakeholder management
• Experience and knowledge in an early learning context, administration of Early Childhood services and current pedagogical practices

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Desirable - relevant Tertiary qualification
• Required - experience and knowledge in an early learning context, administration of Early Childhood services and current pedagogical practices.
• The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check.

About the Group

Schools and Regional Services (SRS) offers central, regional, and local expertise to enhance learning and development outcomes, supported by a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. It comprises 17 areas within 4 regions, backed by 5 central office divisions, all collaborating to deliver improved outcomes for early childhood services, schools, communities, and learners, in line with Education State commitments. SRS regions serve as a bridge between the central office, schools, and service providers, ensuring smooth transitions for learners and achieving the department's ambitious targets. Each region includes divisions specialising in school performance, student wellbeing and early childhood support, working with area-based teams to tailor local interventions and practices. The 17 areas provide crucial insights into local trends and issues, facilitating effective policy and program development and driving child and learner outcomes across all services and programs.

This role is located in the Early Childhood Division, South East Region, SRS. The Early Childhood Division ensures a dedicated team supports Early Childhood services in Areas. The Branch has multiple responsibilities, including supporting services with kindergarten programs and the implementation of the suite of Early Childhood reforms including three-year-old kindergarten and the Best Start, Best Life reforms, as well as driving improvement in service delivery and outcomes for children across the Early Childhood sector.

About the Region

This role is located in the Early Childhood Improvement Branch, outer Gippsland Area, Early Childhood Division, South East Victoria Region, SRS.

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.

How to Apply

Please submit a current CV, cover letter and a 1–2-page response to selection criteria

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, please contact Kiley Cunningham via Kiley.Cunningham@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 Tuesday, 15 September 2026.