Project Manager

This is a fixed term full time position until 30 June 2027.

About the Role

The Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of critical projects to support the implementation of Arrival across Victorian kindergartens. This role works within a fast-paced, reform-driven environment to ensure that project milestones are met, risks are effectively managed, and stakeholders are engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

The Project Manager works closely with executives and managers across the Division to establish ongoing collection of attendance data from sessional kindergarten services across Victoria. This will include leading a team to maintain detailed project plans, monitor progress and budgets, and engaging with stakeholders across the department and in the sector, including peak bodies and service providers.

This position requires a strong background in project management, excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to drive outcomes in a complex, cross-functional environment.

The position involves the supervision of staff, with a focus on setting a clear vision, supporting capability development and providing strong oversight, feedback and support.

Attributes

This role is suited to applicants who:

• Have project management experience and thrive in complex environments with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Can deliver projects on time and within scope using structured project management methodologies
• Are skilled at identifying and managing risks, dependencies, and resource constraints
• Have experience leading effective teams and can build strong relationships to deliver shared outcomes
• Take a proactive, collaborative and creative approach to problem-solving

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• A suitable tertiary qualification in a related field

About the Division

Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.

The Division consists of two branches:

• Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch
• Sector Monitoring and Support Branch

Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:

• Kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide
• Setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies
• Strategic funding and operational projects, including supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the Preschool Reform Agreement
• Free Kinder
• Kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting

Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Sector Monitoring and Support Branch include:

• Kindergarten contract management policy and oversight
• Leading financial assessment and monitoring of funded kindergarten providers, including the kindergarten Audit and Assurance Program
• Centrally managed and procured kindergarten supports, including kindergarten payroll and IT and engagement of Early Learning Association Australia
• Supports and resources for committee of management operated kindergarten services
• Supporting the implementation of attendance data collection through the Arrival funding system

ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across ECE, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches.

ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders.

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.

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 Mathew Lundgren, Executive Director, Early Learning Operations and Monitoring at

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 20 November 2025.