Senior Strategy and Policy Advisor

Grab for Careers

The establishment of Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is entering its next phase as all existing central officer positions have been made ongoing. As such, we are very excited to be advertising these positions for a commencement date of 1 July 2026.

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 the Child Safe Standards and safeguarding of children from harm.

About the Role

You will contribute to and lead the policy and strategy team todevelop and manage policy, priority projects, and strategy, including. fee policy, priority of enrolment policy, and governance arrangements. The team's work is collaborative, drawing on the practitioner experience, evidence and research, and broader educational expertise.

Your duties will include:

• Leading on the development of briefings, recommendations and advice for senior decision makers, including the Minister for Children.

• Contribute and lead the development of Cabinet submissions, budget submissions, Ministerial briefings, and parliamentary briefings.

• Leading the development of communications products, such as public presentations, meeting briefs, and parliamentary talking points, to inform the community and sector.

• Effective stakeholder engagement and consultation to inform and test policy development and seek support to influence outcomes.

• Coaching and mentoring staff within the team, and effectively managing people when required, including contractors or consultants that may be engaged (although this role currently has no direct reports).

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience and ability in:

• Policy development and design, including strong analytical, conceptual, and written communication skills

• Planning and managing timeframes, understanding the political and organizational environment

• Collaborate and build relationships within the department, government, and with external stakeholders

• Previous senior role experience, ability to manage and coach staff, including consultants and contractors

• Provide clear direction, support development, and foster an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture

• Relevant tertiary qualification desirable but not required

• Understanding of the early childhood sector, especially expertise in early learning settings, highly regarded

• Desirable: Experience in working for Government owned and operated Early Learning Services

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.

Further Information

For more details on this position please see attached position description.

For further information about the role, please contact A/Manager Policy and Strategy, Hannah Sweetman via

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

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 26 October 2025