Help shape the future of the schools workforce as a Senior Policy Advisor in Workforce Policy and Strategy Division (WPSD). Lead on strategy and policy development, engage with department and system stakeholders, and take a collaborative approach to understand and address systemic challenges.
About the Role
This is a full time fixed term role until 30/06/2029.
Join the Department of Education as a Senior Policy Advisor. You will lead on strategy and policy development relating to the schools workforce. You will engage with department and system stakeholders, taking a collaborative approach to understanding and addressing systemic challenges. You will think critically and creatively about policy challenges. You will draft compelling business cases to seek funding for new initiatives. You will report to a Policy Manager and as a senior member of the team you will develop and guide other team members to produce quality work.
Help shape the future of the schools' workforce as a Senior Policy Advisor in Workforce Policy and Strategy Division (WPSD).
WPSD is a strategic policy division within the Department of Education. The division sets the direction for the department's approach to teacher preparation, attraction, development and retention. The division delivers a number of key workforce initiatives supporting pre-service and early career teachers, and collaborates with colleagues across the wider department to support the translation of policy to implementation. The division has growing expertise in the broader, non-teaching schools workforce.
As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will lead on strategy and policy development. You will engage with department and system stakeholders, taking a collaborative approach to understanding and addressing systemic challenges. You will think critically and creatively about policy challenges. You will draft compelling business cases to seek funding for new initiatives. You will report to a Policy Manager and as a senior member of the team you will develop and guide other team members to produce quality work.
WPSD is a motivated, high performing division. You will work with intellectually curious colleagues who are committed to the ongoing improvement of the education system. All members of the division are expected to contribute to sustaining and improving a collaborative, supportive culture and inclusive environment.
Applicants with experience with one or more of the following are strongly encouraged to apply:
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Strategic policy development
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Budget bid development
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Research and analysis
For more details regarding this position please see attached position descriptions.
About Workforce Policy and Strategy Division
Workforce Policy and Strategy (WPS) Division, in Schools Workforce Group, brings together workforce strategy, policy and data analytics to lead a strategic approach to the management and development of Victoria's school education workforce by:
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Providing the Department of Education with a centralised strategic policy capability, with expertise in workforce issues.
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Supporting project management and monitoring the delivery of teacher supply programs and initiatives.
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Maintaining departmental expertise in qualitative and quantitative analysis of the school-based workforces to support investment, quality improvement, and regional/system-level workforce management decisions.
How to Apply
To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) addressed to the position contact.
Your cover letter should explain your interest in the role and your experience relating to the required qualifications and experience and the Key Selection Criteria (as per the Position 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.
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
Kris Vidovic – Manager, System Reform Initiatives & Policy 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 22 July 2026.
