System Expansion Manager

About this role

This is an exciting fixed term, full time opportunity within the Regional Early Childhood Implementation Division. This role will commence from 5th October 2026, till 30th June 2029. 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 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 Implementation Division, NWV Region, SRS. The Early Childhood Implementation Division leads reform implementation and improvement efforts across the region, working closely with and supporting the Executive Director and their ECIB teams, as well as external stakeholders, in strengthening and supporting the early childhood sector. This position can be based at one of the following regional offices: Mildura, Bendigo, Coburg and Greensborough. Travel is a requirement of this role. About the Role This role will work closely and collaboratively as part of a team responsible for implementation of the early childhood reform program. This position sits with the Regional Early Childhood Implementation Division, which was established to ensure the successful implementation of early childhood reforms. This is a critical role to support area teams and to work with teams across the Region, with Central Office and the VSBA to support the implementation of early childhood reforms and contribute to the planning and implementation of key policy initiatives. This role will lead and manage key streams of work related to the expansion of kindergarten and introduction of Pre-Prep, in support of Area teams. The Manager, System Expansion will be self motivated and driven to produce results through collaboration and partnerships with both the internal ECI branch staff and those in the sector. Key components of this role include: • Project management, planning and reporting, and stakeholder engagement within the Department and with external sector partners (including local government and kindergarten providers). • Lead collaboration across areas and the region to incorporate all key data and information into reports, briefs, correspondence and other critical reporting and governance processes. • Building relationships with the Area Early Childhood Improvement Branches, Region, Department and Local Government and with other key stakeholders. • Establishing and managing processes to monitor and track the implementation of critical projects. • Having excellent written and oral communication skills. Attributes • Project Management • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Working Collaboratively • Relationship Building • Stakeholder Management • Conceptual and Analytical Ability Qualifications and Experience • Desirable: A relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care or other relevant field. The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working With Children Check. How to Apply Please send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the Key Selection Criteria in the attached position description, and a current CV. Please also provide provide the names and contact details of two confidential referees who would be able to support your suitability for the role. These can be submitted directly to Susan McDonald – Executive Director Early Childhood Implementation, NWVR, via [email protected] . 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 about the role, please contact Susan McDonald – Executive Director Early Childhood Implementation, NWVR on 0419 623 541 or [email protected] . 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 Monday 10th August 2026.