Job Description
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
Multiple Senior Policy Advisor roles are available across the Intergovernmental Relations Branch in the National Schools Policy team, the National Early Childhood Policy team and the National School Reform Agreement team.
The Branch is a fast paced, collaborative and high performing environment that influences national policy discussions and negotiations. The branch:
Provides strategic advice to ministers and senior officials in national negotiations.
Ensures national, whole of Victorian Government and interagency issues are considered as part of the department's policy development and program delivery.
Works across the department on the development, implementation and reporting of intergovernmental agreements across the portfolio.
Manages key partnership arrangements and supports senior executive participation in governance bodies on behalf of the department.
About the Role
The Senior Policy Advisors lead the development of advocacy positions, policy and projects on a range of critical, high-profile issues across the schools and early childhood portfolios, such as:
Advocacy to align Commonwealth early childhood reform with Victoria's Best Start, Best Life reforms.
Negotiation of a new preschool funding agreement.
Implementation of the Child Safety Review.
Negotiation of a new school funding agreement with the Commonwealth.
National policy matters relating to the schools portfolio, such as, supporting students with disability, the Unique Student Identifier for schools, the Australian Curriculum, national assessments, student wellbeing, workforce etc.
This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the department, within Victorian Government and across other jurisdictions.
Attributes
To be successful in this position, you will have excellent written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to form policy advice.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Experience in strategic and intergovernmental policy at any level of government is desirable.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline Knowledge of intergovernmental relations is desirable.
To apply
Please provide your CV and a response addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages).
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 Caroline McInerney - Manager, National Schools Policy Team via (03) 7022 5687 or [email protected].
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 11:5+pm on Monday 1+ May 2026
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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
Multiple Senior Policy Advisor roles are available across the Intergovernmental Relations Branch in the National Schools Policy team, the National Early Childhood Policy team and the National School Reform Agreement team.
The Branch is a fast paced, collaborative and high performing environment that influences national policy discussions and negotiations. The branch:
Provides strategic advice to ministers and senior officials in national negotiations.
Ensures national, whole of Victorian Government and interagency issues are considered as part of the department's policy development and program delivery.
Works across the department on the development, implementation and reporting of intergovernmental agreements across the portfolio.
Manages key partnership arrangements and supports senior executive participation in governance bodies on behalf of the department.
About the Role
The Senior Policy Advisors lead the development of advocacy positions, policy and projects on a range of critical, high-profile issues across the schools and early childhood portfolios, such as:
Advocacy to align Commonwealth early childhood reform with Victoria's Best Start, Best Life reforms.
Negotiation of a new preschool funding agreement.
Implementation of the Child Safety Review.
Negotiation of a new school funding agreement with the Commonwealth.
National policy matters relating to the schools portfolio, such as, supporting students with disability, the Unique Student Identifier for schools, the Australian Curriculum, national assessments, student wellbeing, workforce etc.
This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the department, within Victorian Government and across other jurisdictions.
Attributes
To be successful in this position, you will have excellent written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to form policy advice.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Experience in strategic and intergovernmental policy at any level of government is desirable.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline Knowledge of intergovernmental relations is desirable.
To apply
Please provide your CV and a response addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages).
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 Caroline McInerney - Manager, National Schools Policy Team via (03) 7022 5687 or [email protected].
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 11:5+pm on Monday 1+ May 2026
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💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Policy Advisor position is now open for candidates interested in the Education Jobs sector. This role in Melbourne City Centre 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 Education Jobs is a plus.
