Manager, Policy and Strategy

About this role

This role leads the policy and strategy team to develop and manage policy, priority projects, and strategy, including fee policy, priority enrolment policy, and governance. You will develop a collaborative approach to strategy and policy, drawing on practitioner experience, evidence and research, and broader educational expertise. This includes developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 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 Early Learning Victoria The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities. Early Learning Victoria is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The ELV central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and supports and oversees 4 centres that have recently opened. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development. Early Learning Victoria is committed to Child Safety and the safeguarding of children from harm. About the Role This role leads the policy and strategy team to develop and manage policy, priority projects, and strategy, including fee policy, priority enrolment policy, and governance. You will develop a collaborative approach to strategy and policy, drawing on practitioner experience, evidence and research, and broader educational expertise. This includes developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Your duties will include: • Leading a small team to advise and support the Minister and senior executives, delivering short, and long-term projects • Providing leadership on policy issues/projects • Engaging with stakeholders to inform policy and strategy, collaborating with leadership and department stakeholders • Using a strengths-based, 'whole person' management approach to support accountability and leadership • Coaching staff, support professional development, and foster collaborative relationships • Managing projects and tasks to ensure timely delivery that meets and exceeds expectations Qualifications and Experience To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate: • Experience managing policy projects, from short-term to long-term initiatives • Strong people management skills, fostering a high-trust, and collaborative culture • Advanced stakeholder management skills, both internal and external • Strong written and verbal communication skills that provides clear, practical advice on complex material • Advanced project management skills, consistently delivering on time and to expectations • Resilience and patience, modelling and promoting VPS values within the team How to apply Applicants are requested to email a CV and short cover letter (max 1 page for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. Further Information For more details on this position please see attached position description. For further information about the role, please contact Tess Allaway via 03 7022 1185 or [email protected] The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encoura ged 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 have a Working with Children Check, a police check and 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 12 August 2026