Job Description
Overview
Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/SSSR/1917200
The Manager, National Schools Policy leads a large policy teams responsible for Victoria's engagement with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to deliver national school education reforms and projects.
About the Role
National Strategy and Reform Branch Managers lead large policy teams responsible for Victoria's engagement with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to deliver national school education reforms and projects.
The National School Policy team operates in a fast paced, collaborative and high performing environment to influence national policy across a wide range of issues and leads intergovernmental agreement negotiations. The team's core deliverable is the preparation of strategic and high-quality advice for senior executives and Ministers to take positions on national issues.
The Branch is seeking an individual with a track record of strong public policy and applying your exceptional conceptual and analytical skills. Your commitment to delivering accurate and timely advice and your high level interpersonal skills in forging and maintaining productive relationships with stakeholders including senior Executives are essential attributes for success in this role.
You will engage with colleagues across the Department, the Victorian Government, the wider education sector and in other jurisdictions. Your excellent written communication skills underpins the positive contribution you make to achieving team objectives and project timeframes.
The role is best suited to an effective manager with experience leading teams in high pressure, high visibility environments with a focus on strategic thinking and education policy.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
A tertiary degree in a related field is desirable.
How to Apply
Candidates are requested to submit a current resume together with a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria - no more than 2 pages.
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.
The 2024 Education State priorities sets the vision for the Victorian Education System, to deliver excellence in every classroom, in every corner of the state.
About the Division
The purpose of the Strategy, Policy and National Reform Division is to support the Department to:
drive a whole-of-departmental approach to deliver the Education State priorities, including through effective strategic advice, prioritisation, planning, governance and communication
steer the strategic direction of evidence-based and innovative national reform and policy through good governance and high-quality strategic advice
drive policy, design and implementation of specific reforms and priorities, including the review of the Education Training and Reform regulations
secure funding for Victoria from the Commonwealth under the best terms possible in order to maximise outcomes for Victorian students, children and families, particularly priority cohorts including Aboriginal Victorians.
collaborate with colleagues across the states and territories and in the Commonwealth to progress national policy - uplifting outcomes for students in all jurisdictions.
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 www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Isabel King - Director Intergovernmental Relations via isabel.king@education.vic.gov.au or Sarah Kemeny - Director, National Strategy and Reform viaSarah.Kemeny@education.vic.gov.au.
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 Thursday 16th April 2026.
Applications close Thursday 16 April 2026 at 11.59pm
Posted
2 April 2026
Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/SSSR/1917200
The Manager, National Schools Policy leads a large policy teams responsible for Victoria's engagement with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to deliver national school education reforms and projects.
About the Role
National Strategy and Reform Branch Managers lead large policy teams responsible for Victoria's engagement with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to deliver national school education reforms and projects.
The National School Policy team operates in a fast paced, collaborative and high performing environment to influence national policy across a wide range of issues and leads intergovernmental agreement negotiations. The team's core deliverable is the preparation of strategic and high-quality advice for senior executives and Ministers to take positions on national issues.
The Branch is seeking an individual with a track record of strong public policy and applying your exceptional conceptual and analytical skills. Your commitment to delivering accurate and timely advice and your high level interpersonal skills in forging and maintaining productive relationships with stakeholders including senior Executives are essential attributes for success in this role.
You will engage with colleagues across the Department, the Victorian Government, the wider education sector and in other jurisdictions. Your excellent written communication skills underpins the positive contribution you make to achieving team objectives and project timeframes.
The role is best suited to an effective manager with experience leading teams in high pressure, high visibility environments with a focus on strategic thinking and education policy.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
A tertiary degree in a related field is desirable.
How to Apply
Candidates are requested to submit a current resume together with a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria - no more than 2 pages.
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.
The 2024 Education State priorities sets the vision for the Victorian Education System, to deliver excellence in every classroom, in every corner of the state.
About the Division
The purpose of the Strategy, Policy and National Reform Division is to support the Department to:
drive a whole-of-departmental approach to deliver the Education State priorities, including through effective strategic advice, prioritisation, planning, governance and communication
steer the strategic direction of evidence-based and innovative national reform and policy through good governance and high-quality strategic advice
drive policy, design and implementation of specific reforms and priorities, including the review of the Education Training and Reform regulations
secure funding for Victoria from the Commonwealth under the best terms possible in order to maximise outcomes for Victorian students, children and families, particularly priority cohorts including Aboriginal Victorians.
collaborate with colleagues across the states and territories and in the Commonwealth to progress national policy - uplifting outcomes for students in all jurisdictions.
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 www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Isabel King - Director Intergovernmental Relations via isabel.king@education.vic.gov.au or Sarah Kemeny - Director, National Strategy and Reform viaSarah.Kemeny@education.vic.gov.au.
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 Thursday 16th April 2026.
Applications close Thursday 16 April 2026 at 11.59pm
Posted
2 April 2026
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Manager, National Schools Policy position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Melbourne offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.