Policy Advisor

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

The Workforce Policy and Programs (WPP) division sits within Kindergarten Expansion and Pre-Prep Reform (KEPPR) and leads on the implementation of key early childhood workforce strategy projects and programs that support the implementation of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The division has a particular focus on increasing early childhood teacher and educator supply and attraction. The work of the Division is built on a strong foundation of collaboration with all relevant internal stakeholders and the key external stakeholders with whom we are partnering to successfully deliver these policies and programs.

About the Role

This Policy Advisor role sits within the Workforce Strategy team in WPP. The Workforce Strategy team is responsible for the development of the kindergarten workforce strategy, including research and analysis on attraction challenges, and identification of short- and long-term opportunities for reform. The team also advises on intergovernmental relations and activity relating to the early childhood workforce.

Attributes

The Policy Advisor will have responsibility for:

• undertaking analysis to understand key trends in workforce supply and quality, and the impacts of existing policies and programs
• providing high quality and timely written and verbal advice to leadership
• contributing to key policy projects that build the evidence base and deliver on key initiatives in the Best Start, Best Life Workforce Strategy
• developing a range of written communication products, including slide decks, briefings, reports, cabinet submissions
• using data insights to inform strategic policy development and options analysis
• engaging with internal and external stakeholders to inform analysis and policy development
• being an integral part of a high-performing and collaborative team.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Relevant university qualifications or experience in a related field. Experience in policy design, development and communication is desirable for this role.

Applicants are required to submit their resume and no more than two pages detailing how their skills and experience address the Key Selection Criteria.

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 Cassandra Sharp, Acting Manager, Workforce Strategy via 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 24 September 2025