Manager, Professional Practice Programs

**About the Department**

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

**About the Division**

The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP) Division guides, supports and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The work of the Division is also underpinned by the central precondition of this, that all children are able to access, be included and engage in early learning. It leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and supports participation for children that experience vulnerability and disadvantage that have the most to gain from early learning.

ELPAP is responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF), working with the VCAA. There is a particular focus on delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition. ELPAP leads the development and implementation of participation and inclusion supports for all children, including implementation of needs-based funding for kindergartens. This includes working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children that might otherwise miss out on kindergarten to enrol and attend.

**About the Role**

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact in early childhood education? Are you a strategic leader who thrives in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment? Join us in a pivotal role that supports the professional growth of educators and elevates outcomes for children across Victoria.

This influential leadership role sits within the Professional Practice Programs (PPP) Unit of the Professional Practice Branch. The PPP Unit is at the forefront of delivering impactful professional practice support to the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep workforce as part of Victoria's Best Start Best Life reforms. Grounded in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), we provide high-quality resources, professional learning initiatives, and strategic policy advice to elevate teaching practice across the state.

As Manager, PPP Unit, you will lead a high-performing team in designing and delivering professional learning and workforce supports that make a real difference. This includes high profile programs such as the Bush Kindergarten Program and Early Childhood Languages Program. Alongside this you will be part of a team delivering an unprecedented expansion of professional practice supports to Victoria's teachers and educators.

You will play a central role in building a strong partnership with the VCAA to support VEYLDF implementation across the sector.

We're looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of adult learning and effective professional development design. You'll be an experienced team leader who inspires excellence, brings clarity and direction, and is confident in independently managing complex projects and associated contracts.

In this role, you will:

- Champion evidence-informed approaches to professional learning across early childhood education.
- Cultivate a collaborative, high-performance culture within a team of six direct reports.
- Lead innovative programs that reflect government priorities and community needs.
- Foster partnerships across the sector to amplify the reach and impact of professional practice supports.

**Attributes**
- **Collaborative Leadership**: You actively build bridges across teams and stakeholders, fostering strong networks and shared purpose.
- **Strategic Adaptability**: You respond to change with courage and creativity, championing new strategies when needed to drive better outcomes.
- **Impact-Driven**: You're deeply motivated by opportunities to improve educational practice and ensure every child benefits from high-quality early learning.

This is more than a management role-it's an opportunity to lead change, shape practice, and influence the future of early years education in Victoria.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- **R**equired**: Bachelor level or above qualification.
- **Desirable**: qualifications include those related to public policy and education or other related fields.
- **Desirable**: Experience in contract management and/or project management, ideally in a government context.

**How to Apply**

**Further Information**

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

**Applications close** 11:59pm on 08-JUL-2025.