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
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 Division's work is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that all children are able to access, be included in, and engage with early learning. ELPAP leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and to support participation for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, those who stand to benefit most from early learning.
The Division is also 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).
To carry out this work, the Division is organised into two branches: the Early Learning Participation Branch and the Professional Practice Branch. Together, these branches lead work across several key focus areas:
- Delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition
- Developing and implementing participation and inclusion supports for all children
- Implementing needs-based funding for kindergartens
- Working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children who might otherwise miss out on kindergarten, ensuring their enrolment and attendance
This role sits within the Professional Practice Branch.
About the Role
Are you passionate about building a workforce that supports every child's best start in life? Do you thrive in a leadership role where complex programs meet real-world impact? If you're driven by purpose and committed to excellence, this is your opportunity to lead lasting change.
We invite you to join the Department of Education as Manager, Workforce Retention and Recognition Unit (WRRU) within the Professional Practice Branch-a pivotal leadership role in the implementation of Victoria's Best Start, Best Life Workforce Strategy.
As Manager of the WRRU, you will lead a dedicated team focused on ensuring early childhood teachers and educators are recognised, supported, and retained throughout their careers. Your leadership will drive workforce initiatives that are not only innovative but deeply valued by professionals across the state.
At the forefront of Victoria's early childhood reforms, you'll design and deliver targeted programs that support professional growth, recognise excellence, and strengthen the early learning workforce-now and into the future.
You'll oversee high-profile initiatives including:
- The Victorian Early Years Awards
- A comprehensive suite of supports for early career teachers and educators
- Initiatives that promote ongoing professional learning and return-to-sector pathways
- Strategies that enhance workforce wellbeing, engagement, and long-term retention
We're seeking a strategic and visionary leader with:
- A deep understanding of adult learning principles and professional development design
- Strong leadership skills, with experience managing high-performing teams
- Confidence in leading complex projects, including contract and procurement oversight
- The ability to inspire collaboration across government, sector partners, and communities
- A passion for evidence-informed policy and the capacity to translate strategy into impact
This is more than a leadership role-it's an opportunity to shape the foundation of education in Victoria. The work of the WRRU is essential in recognising and supporting those who nurture our youngest learners. You'll be part of a progressive and values-driven division committed to delivering meaningful reform.
Here, your leadership will:
- Empower educators
- Elevate professional practice
- Drive systemic change
- Create better outcomes for children across Victoria.
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
- Required: 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.
The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working With Children Check.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and application addressing the key selection criteria (of no more than 4 pages in length).
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 Jed Gilbert - Director, Progressional Practive via [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 11:59pm on 8 July 2026
