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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Required: bachelor level or above qualification.
• Desirable: qualifications include those related to public policy and education or other related fields.
• Desirable: experience in contract management and/or project management, ideally in a government context.

Are you passionate about lifting the quality of early childhood education and influencing practice at a system level? Do you thrive on leading high-performing teams, turning evidence into impact, and building collaborative partnerships? If so, we invite you to step into a leadership role where your expertise will help shape the future of teaching in kindergartens across the state.
In this pivotal role, you will lead the strategic design, implementation, and continuous improvement of government-funded supports that elevate teaching practice in early learning settings. You’ll guide a dedicated team of professionals who provide expert advice on pedagogy and practice, connect the dots between research, policy, and frontline delivery, and ensure that every initiative is grounded in evidence and real-world experience.
As a senior leader, your work will extend beyond your immediate team. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the Division and the wider Early Childhood Education Group, ensuring that professional practice supports are aligned with broader departmental goals and responsive to the diverse needs of educators and children.

We’re seeking a strategic visionary leader with:

• A deep understanding of adult learning principles and professional development design
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing high-performing teams
• Confidence in leading complex projects, including contract and procurement oversight
• A strategic mindset and the ability to turn insights into impactful action
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills across complex systems

Join us in a role that’s meaningful and where your work will directly support and inspire those who shape the learning journeys of Victoria’s youngest learners ensuring every child has the best start in life.