Early Childhood Funding Advisor

Early Childhood Funding Advisor- Fixed Term/ Part Time (0.6 FTE until 30 June 2027)

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 Division

Schools and Regional Services (SRS) offers central, regional, and local expertise to enhance learning and development outcomes, supported by a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. It comprises 17 areas within 4 regions, backed by 5 central office divisions, all collaborating to deliver improved outcomes for early childhood services, schools, communities, and learners, in line with Education State commitments. SRS regions serve as a bridge between the central office, schools, and service providers, ensuring smooth transitions for learners and achieving the department's ambitious targets. Each region includes divisions specialising in school performance, student wellbeing and early childhood support, working with area-based teams to tailor local interventions and practices. The 17 areas provide crucial insights into local trends and issues, facilitating effective policy and program development and driving child and learner outcomes across all services and programs.

This role is located in the Early Childhood Improvement Branch, Wimmera South West Area, South-Western Victoria Region, SRS

About the Branch

The Early Childhood Improvement Branch implements key government Early Childhood policy, initiatives, reforms, and strategies at a local level. The Early Childhood Improvement Branch ensures a dedicated team supports Early Childhood providers and services in Areas. The Branch has multiple responsibilities, including supporting services with kindergarten programs and the implementation of the suite of Early Childhood reforms including, Pre-Prep, three-year-old kindergarten and the Best Start, Best Life reforms, as well as driving improvement in service delivery and outcomes for children across the Early Childhood sector.

About the Role

This role is located in the Wimmera South West Area, 0.6 FTE, fixed term until 30 June 2027 based at either the Horsham or Warrnambool office.

The role of the Early Childhood Funding Advisor (ECFA) is to provide a range of program support services to funded agencies, Early Childhood Improvement Branch staff and the broader regional staff through providing quality, timely and effective customer service and advice. The ECFA will work as part of a multidisciplinary, area-based team that is building the capabilities of early childhood service providers and focused on delivering improved outcomes for children in the Wimmera South West area.

As an Early Childhood Funding Advisor, you will support early childhood services to apply for and access a range of early childhood funding, including Kindergarten Funding and funding to support vulnerable children and families. The role will require high level communication and planning skills and close attention to detail.

The role will:

• Provide support in maintaining accurate records in the relevant IT and funding systems in accordance with the relevant program business rules, with a focus on the Kindergarten Information Management System and Arrival.
• Support early childhood stakeholders including kindergartens, long day care centres and families with funding queries.
• Support the preparation of documentation, manage records and processes in line with policy guidelines.
• Provide systems support to the branch.
• The role will work closely with and receive some direction from the Senior Early Childhood Funding Advisor.

Attributes

The ideal candidate will possess strong skills and experience in various office systems and procedures, along with excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication abilities. They will be able to build and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work collaboratively within a team. They will also have the capacity to work proactively and independently.

Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and communication abilities will also be beneficial in this role.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Relevant tertiary qualifications or experience in a related field.

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 Debbie Moerkerk- Manager Early Childhood Improvement Branch Wimmera South West via email

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.

How to apply

Click Apply Now to submit your CV and a cover letter outlining the skills, capabilities and experiences that you would bring to this role.

Applications close 11:59pm on 3 December 2025