Manager, Inclusion Policy and Reform

About the Role

The Manager leads the work of the Kindergarten Inclusion Policy and Reform Unit, which comprises of 5 direct reports. Through effective stakeholder communication and productive team engagement, the incumbent will ensure effective and timely project delivery in alignment with departmental strategies and priorities. This will include:

• leading a research program that will inform the design of a new approach to delivering Kindergarten Inclusion Support, incorporating a strength-based assessment and a tiered service response

• comprehensive modelling of resourcing impacts related to reform options

• leading stakeholder engagement and broader sector communication

• overseeing suppliers contracted to deliver key interconnected elements of the research program

providing advice regarding the impact and intersection of strategic contextual issues, such as the NDIS Review.

Work Type

An exciting opportunity exists for a passionate and driven Manager to join the Inclusion Policy and Reform unit on a fixed-term basis until 30/06/2026.

Attributes

To be successful in this role, the incumbent will require the ability to:

• proactively identify, and critically evaluate operational and strategic contextual issues that will impact on policy reform options and program design

• articulates and conceptualise interdependent streams of work into a clear work program that defines success measures, roles and responsibilities, including governance processes to manage risks and maximise probability of success

• work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including experts in the design process, to understand user needs, obtain insights and input, as well as testing and validating policy and program options

formulate and communicate policy options using a clear narrative that reaches senior decision makers.

Qualifications and Experience

• Required: Tertiary qualifications in public policy, early childhood or relevant field

• Required: Experience in leading teams responsible for significant reform projects in high profile and sensitive contexts

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 3 pages).

About the Division

The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP) Division guides, supports, and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The Division's work is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that all children are able to access, be included in, and engage with early learning. ELPAP leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and to support participation for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, those who stand to benefit most from early learning.

The Division is also responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF).

To carry out this work, the Division is organised into two branches: the Early Learning Participation Branch and the Professional Practice Branch. Together, these branches lead work across several key focus areas:

• Delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition
• Developing and implementing participation and inclusion supports for all children
• Implementing needs-based funding for kindergartens
• Working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children who might otherwise miss out on kindergarten, ensuring their enrolment and attendance

This role sits within the Participation Branch.

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

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

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Rosie Pizzi - Director, Early Learning Participation via

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 Wednesday 26th of November 2025.