Principal Program Officer

Metropolitan South Region is seeking a Principal Program Officer to join the team in a leadership role focused on advancing early childhood initiatives. This position presents an exciting opportunity to drive the development and implementation of programs that strengthen effective practices and improve learning
and development outcomes for children across the region. The role is offered until 31 December 2025, unless otherwise determined.

About the Department

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us ( ).

About the Role

As the Principal Program Officer, you will assist in leading the development of a suite of early childhood initiatives aimed at supporting effective practices to optimise learning and development outcomes for children. You will also contribute to the development and management of strategic early childhood initiatives designed to build the capacity of key stakeholders in supporting successful transitions and enhancing continuity of learning and development for children.

Your Responsibilities

As the Principal Program Officer, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage early childhood initiatives that ensure sustained, consistent implementation
• Contribute to regional strategic planning by identifying local priorities and supporting initiatives that build community capacity and optimise outcomes for children.
• Prepare, review and quality assure correspondence and documentation associated with priority projects and initiatives.
• Develop and implement projects, including risk management strategies and key performance measures, to ensure outcomes are delivered effectively and within required timeframes.
• Prioritise children's participation, engagement, and quality transitions to support positive learning outcomes and wellbeing.
• Develop strategies to identify regional and local early childhood needs, undertaking targeted activities in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders (including Child Safety) to address emerging issues and trends, promote early childhood messaging, increase kindergarten participation, and support successful transitions into the preparatory year.
• Collaborate with communities to implement place-based approaches that improve outcomes for children and families, with particular attention to supporting vulnerable children and families.
• Support school-based playgroup facilitators, within the Metropolitan South region, to deliver high-quality and sustainable playgroups that enhance learning and development opportunities for children and strengthen family engagement.
• Provide timely, evidence-informed early childhood advice to the Manager to support quality decision-making.

Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position.

Interested? To Apply

• Attach a resume (no more than 3 pages) including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a suitability statement (2-page maximum) describing how you are suitable for the role in response to the description in the advertisement, with considerations to the Leadership Competencies QLD.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.