Program Development

About the role:

The Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing is seeking an experienced Program Development & Engagement Lead to support the organisation to develop strategic and impactful programs of work in partnership with mental health sector partners, including government, peak and professional bodies, services, workforce, academic institutions, education providers, and consumers and families, carers and kin. The successful applicant will use their knowledge and skills in co-design, collaboration and strategic planning to develop, implement and monitor plans and sector engagement initiatives across the Workforce Education and Developmentand Translational Research teams at the Collaborative Centre.

Reporting to the Governance and Planning Services Manager, the Program Development & Engagement Lead will play a pivotal role in ensuring the work of the Centre is informed by impactful research, lived and living experience and innovative practice, using contemporary approaches to collaboration and engagement with our sector partners. They will also translate these insights into tangible and actionable policy recommendations for Government.

The Collaborative Centre is a growing organisation operating in a fast-paced, high-output environment where priorities can shift quickly. We are seeking a high-performing individual who can confidently navigate changing demands, reprioritise tasks with ease, and maintain clarity and focus under pressure. The ability to remain composed and solutions-focused in the face of competing priorities and deadlines is key to thriving in this role. Flexibility, initiative and a calm, collaborative approach will be highly valued.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

• Demonstrated experience working with people who have a past or current lived experience of mental ill-health or psychological distress is mandatory.
• Prior experience with design and implementation of mental health workforce research projects within the Victorian mental health system is mandatory.
• An ability to read and translate academic research into digestible content that reflects key findings and recommendations for reform is mandatory.
• A nuanced understanding of the Victorian mental health and wellbeing system and the broader national and international landscape, including knowledge about the diversity of sector stakeholders and the workforce, and an appreciation of the strategic and operational challenges and opportunities faced by the sector is mandatory.
• Knowledge of public sector operating processes, information systems and the development of policy recommendations for Government is mandatory.
• Tertiary level qualifications in health or social policy is desirable.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the `Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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