Director, Education Policy

SES-1 Director, Education Policy

• Drive strategic education policy and reform across Victoria
• Lead system-wide planning, governance, and collaboration
• Influence student outcomes and shape the future of education

Do work that makes a real difference - lead and deliver strategic policy, planning, and reform initiatives that strengthen Victoria's education system and improve outcomes for all students. As Director, Education Policy, you will set clear strategic direction, foster collaboration across government and the education sector, and drive the Education State agenda.

Strategy and Secondary School Reform Group - Department of Education

The Strategy and Secondary Reform Group (SSSR) plays a critical leadership role in delivering the Education State agenda, ensuring the Department of Education's efforts are strategic, coherent, and focused on long-term impact.

SSSR supports the Department to:

• Set strategic direction to deliver Education State priorities
• Lead policy design and implementation of key reforms, including senior secondary pathways
• Align departmental and national reform efforts through clear prioritisation and sequencing
• Use data and insights to monitor progress and drive Education State outcomes

The Strategy, Policy and National Reform, within the SSSR Group, delivers school education strategy, policy, and regulatory advice, as well as school and early childhood national reforms and negotiation of school and early childhood national agreements.

Your role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategy, Policy and National Reform, you will:

• ; Lead the development of strategic policy, planning and governance frameworks that guide system-wide reform.
• ; Provide authoritative advice to senior executives, Ministers and government on emerging issues and future directions.
• ; Oversee complex, cross-cutting projects that promote coherence across reform initiatives.
• ; Strengthen partnerships and connections across the Department, portfolios, and key education partners.
• ; Build a high-performing, inclusive and engaged branch culture that delivers impact

About you

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities including the ability to identify strategic opportunities to set directions and solve problems
• A record of achievement and experience in executive public administration, including an established approach to and managing a diverse and dynamic program of work.
• Evidence of outstanding influence and negotiation skills and exceptional stakeholder management skills
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively and responsively as part of a strong and cohesive senior leadership team.

This role has a salary range of $225,000 - $290,600 (TRP), offering meaningful and challenging work in an environment that encourages values-based leadership.

Please refer to the Position Description for more information about the role purpose.

How to apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter (no more than one A4 page). There is no requirement to make a separate statement in response to each of the key selection criteria, however the cover letter should provide an overview of how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the key selection criteria specified in the Position Description.

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