About the Role Reporting to the Director, Policy and Provision, the Manager of the Policy and Integration team is responsible for having strategic oversight of all the Best start Best Life reforms, which include Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Free kindergarten.
This team is responsible for leading key whole of reform pieces of work including (a) high-quality and timely whole-of-reform BSBL advice to executives and the Government, including through cabinet, budget and parliamentary processes and (b) proactive identification of key strategic whole of reform policy opportunities and solutions and (c) a significant program of whole-of-BSBL-reform evaluation work, which intersects with multiple teams in the Department and involves working with external stakeholders, to inform implementation of the reforms and measure achievement of reform objectives.
Attributes To be successful in this position, you will work collaboratively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders including key peak bodies, DE central office, VSBA and regional leadership teams, and other government departments and jurisdictions.
Other responsibilities include: * providing leading advice in relation to early childhood reform (with a focus on efforts at the state-wide, regional and local level), with area and central colleagues * providing authoritative policy and program delivery advice to Executives * contributing to the development of significant policies and working to coordinate, disseminate and implement decisions appropriately * working collaboratively with colleagues across DE as well as other government departments and jurisdictions as required * managing internal and external stakeholder relationships on the development of new program strategies and initiatives, including evaluations * ensuring robust governance, financial and risk management for areas of responsibility * exemplifying integrity and setting a standard for others, supporting others to manage conflicts of interest, and using resources responsibly * modelling public sector values (integrity, accountability, impartiality, responsiveness, respect, leadership and commitment to human rights).
About you * Highly developed policy design and development skills including a record of achievement in the provision of strategic advice to senior management or government.
* Proven ability to effectively navigate the political and organisational context to contribute innovatively to in complex reform environments.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with stakeholders and strong negotiation skills.
* Proven ability to develop effective working relationships, lead and motivate a team of professionals and create a positive workplace culture.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience Tertiary Qualifications/Accreditation in related discipline would be advantageous.
How to apply Applications should include: * a resume (no more than 2-pages) and * a cover letter that responds to each of the Key Selection Criteria (no more than three pages).
For more information regarding these positions please see the attached Position Description and contact Erin Giles, A/Director, Policy and Provision, for a confidential discussion.
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.
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.
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Applications close 11:59pm on 08/04/2025