Early and Middle Years Development Officer

About the role

Yarra Ranges Council is seeking an Early and Middle Years Development Officer to join our Early and Middle Years Partnership Team. This position will lead and support community connections and partnerships to improve health, education, and wellbeing outcomes for children aged 0-14 years and their families in the Yarra Ranges.

The successful candidate will play a key role in implementing the Middle Years Plan and other relevant strategic plans, including project management, partnership management, evaluation and reporting. As part of the Upper Yarra Partnership backbone team, you will facilitate connections with children, families, community organisations and across education, health and early years services to co-design activities that help children in the Upper Yarra thrive.

This role combines strategic planning with hands-on community engagement, requiring someone who can work collaboratively across multiple sectors while maintaining a strong focus on child and family-centred outcomes.

• This is a full-time permanent position (38 hours per week).
• This is a Band 6 role with a salary range between $95,565 and $104,167 per annum, plus 12% superannuation.

Benefits of working with us:

• Support work-life balance with your choice of monthly or fortnightly rostered day off and hybrid working arrangements.
• 20 weeks paid primary caregiver leave (6 weeks for secondary caregivers) plus other generous leave options such as volunteer leave, family planning and menstrual and menopause leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and to take on temporary roles in other teams to grow your skills and experience.
• Novated lease vehicle options.

Experience and skills we're looking for

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, Public Health or related field
• Demonstrated experience working in and across health, community, education, family and/or children's services sector with children up to 14 years of age
• Strong project management skills with experience in strategic plan implementation, evaluation and reporting
• Ability to build relationships and partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups including families, community organisations, schools and health services
• Experience in community engagement and co-design processes, particularly with children, parents and caregivers
• Analytical skills with ability to gather, analyse and interpret data to identify trends, service gaps and opportunities
• Knowledge of family and children's services landscape, policies and current approaches in the early and middle years sector
• Experience in facilitating collaborative work relationships and working effectively as part of a backbone organisation or partnership model

If you have some but not all these skills or experience, we still encourage you to apply, especially if you have the right attitude and willingness to learn.

How to apply

Please ensure you submit your application via our jobs portal by clicking 'Apply'. Include a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, tell us about your experience, skills, and why you would like to work with us here at Yarra Ranges Council.

Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 24 August 2025.

Contact person:
Loren Hedger, Early & Middle Years Partnership Coordinator,

If you need support with your application or have accessibility needs, please call the contact person above or email us at

Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Police Check and a Working with Children Check.

About Yarra Ranges Council

Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life.

Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.