Manager, Program and Data Assurance

Department of Education; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education in Victoria seeks a VPS 6 Manager, Program and Data Assurance to lead the design and implementation of program and data assurance across divisions. You will strengthen governance, risk management, data integrity and reporting quality while identifying innovations to improve service delivery.

This senior role provides strategic advice to senior leaders, leads complex reform projects, and collaborates across business areas to embed assurance disciplines and foster a

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in government context in program assurance, governance, or related disciplines.
• Desirable experience in program and project management or continuous improvement.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in business, public administration, data analytics, governance, or project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of program and data assurance functions across programs and business operations.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and manage complex projects and reform initiatives.

Skills

Governance

Risk management

Data assurance

Performance reporting

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in business/public administration/data analytics/governance/project management

Tools

SharePoint

Job description

The Manager, Program and Data Assurance leads the design and implementation of program and data assurance functions across programs and business operations. The role is responsible for strengthening governance, risk management, data integrity, reporting quality as well as identifying innovations to streamline effective service delivery. Operating at the VPS 6 level, the role provides authoritative advice to senior leaders, leads complex projects and reform initiatives, and works collaboratively across business areas to embed assurance disciplines and foster a culture of innovation, accountability and improvement.

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

• Internal audit planning and delivery, the school audit program, follow-up of audit actions implementation, supporting the Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO) performance audits and secretariat services to the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC)
• Cabinet and Parliament support, including board appointments
• Freedom of Information
• Briefings and correspondence support
• Departmental Liaison Unit
• Privacy advice and support
• Records and digital content management
• SharePoint and copyright advice and support
• Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) co-ordination and support
• Mail services.

About the Role

The Manager, Program and Data Assurance leads the design and implementation of program and data assurance functions across programs and business operations. The role is responsible for strengthening governance, risk management, data integrity, reporting quality as well as identifying innovations to streamline effective service delivery. Operating at the VPS 6 level, the role provides authoritative advice to senior leaders, leads complex projects and reform initiatives, and works collaboratively across business areas to embed assurance disciplines and foster a culture of innovation, accountability and improvement.

Attributes

A successful VPS 6 Manager, Program and Data Assurance will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to lead assurance and improvement initiatives in a complex environment. The role requires expertise in program governance, risk management, data assurance and performance reporting, together with the ability to identify innovative approaches that strengthen assurance practices and improve service delivery and outcomes. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills are essential, as is the capacity to provide clear, evidence-based advice to senior leaders. The role also requires effective people leadership, a collaborative and accountable approach, and the ability to manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality results.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Experience working at a senior level in a government context in program assurance, governance, business improvement, strategy, performance or related disciplines is highly desirable. Demonstrated expertise and experience in program and project management or continuous improvement desirable. Relevant tertiary qualification in business, public administration, data analytics, governance, project management or a related field is advantageous.

Further Information

For mo re 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 Kylie Auld via email at [emailprotected] 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 30th October 2026