Senior Program Advisor

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $113,022 - $136,747

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: Projects

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DE/SW/1881792

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a high-performing team in Workforce Policy and Strategy Division. The Senior Program Advisor is responsible for the strategic development and delivery of projects and initiatives which enable the effective implementation of the Career Start program and may involve the management of one or more officers who are involved in those projects. Multiple roles are available which may involve work across other parts of Workforce Policy and Strategy Division.

Fixed term - full time roles until 31 December 2026

Multiple roles available - Two positions available for immediate start; all other roles commence on 01/01/2026.

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.

About the Role

Career Start is a structured development program which improves the experience of graduate teachers as they are inducted into the profession. Career Start provides a range of supports to graduate teachers and their mentors to accelerate the development of graduate teachers' professional practice, support their wellbeing, and increase retention.

The Senior Program Advisor is responsible for the strategic development and delivery of projects which enable the effective implementation of the program and may involve the management of other officers. Multiple roles until 31 December 2026 are available which may involve work across Workforce Policy and Strategy Division (WPSD). Key responsibilities can include: leading project planning, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement; policy development and provision of strategic advice; stakeholder engagement; leading communications work; management and monitoring of program budget and financials; managing procurement and contract management processes.

You will be working within WPSD which brings together workforce strategy, policy and data analytics to lead a strategic approach to the management and development of Victoria's school workforce. The division has a welcoming, supportive and high-performing culture.

How to apply

Please include in your application a cover letter addressing the key selection critieria and a current resume. Applications close 11:59pm on Monday 8 September 2025.

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 Bree Saunders or

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 10-Sep-2025

Applications close Wednesday 10 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

27 August 2025