Senior Program Officer

Are you interested in supporting the strategies, initiatives and programs that improve the quality of early childhood education for children in Queensland?

The Department of Education Early Childhood, Regulation and Communication Division are looking for someone who is a strategic thinker who gathers insights and embraces new ideas, thrives in agile work environments and can work collaboratively across strategies and programs to ensure a strong start for all Queensland Children.

About the Department of Education

The Department of Education sets the foundations for delivery of a quality early childhood sector, a high performing education system, and a vibrant arts and culture sector for Queensland. Our vision is a to create a great future for every Queenslander, giving all children a great start, engaging young people in learning, creating safe and inclusive workplaces and investing in communities for a stronger Queensland.

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us ( ).

About the Role

As the Senior Program Officer, your role will be critical in supporting the design, management and review of strategies, programs and initiatives aimed at quality improvement and creating more equitable and inclusive early childhood programs and services across Queensland.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the design, planning and review of evidence informed early childhood education strategies and programs including The Early Childhood Workforce Strategy PDF) ( ) and Queensland inclusion initiatives;
• Develop policies, guidelines and resources for early childhood education and care stakeholders;
• Undertake assessment of applications adhering to departmental policies, procedures and processes;
• Prepare high quality communications for a range of audiences, including briefing materials and correspondence consistent with departmental guidelines;
• Engage in strategic thinking and problem solving to achieve intended outcomes; and
• Demonstrate accountability for the support of key initiatives through professionalism, persistence, and transparency.

About You

The following attributes would be extremely beneficial for the successful candidate to possess:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the early childhood education and care sector including an understanding of The Early Childhood Workforce Strategy PDF) ( ), National Quality Framework ( ), and relevant legislation, policies and programs;
• Expertise in management of programs ,projects and contracts; and in grant design, governance and reporting;
• Experience in task management, preparing communications material, project scheduling and working to deadlines;
• Experience in building strong relationships and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders; and
• Availability to undertake travel throughout Queensland, as required.

Benefits

In addition to the opportunity to make a difference in our communities, we offer our employees:

• a broad range of leave entitlements
• flexible work options
• a supported induction ( ) program
• generous superannuation and salary packaging schemes
• access to professional development and learning opportunities ( ) relevant to their career stage and ambitions.

Mandatory requirements:

• The successful candidate will need to undergo a Criminal History Check

Interested? To Apply:

• Attach a brief resume (maximum 2 pages) including contact details for 2 referees (one of whom should be your current supervisor) highlighting your key skills, experience, and attributes relevant to this role.
• Attach a statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience align to the role.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive. Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. 

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.