Performance and Planning Advisor

Department of Education Victoria; Swan Hill; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Education Victoria – Swan Hill VIC is seeking a Performance & Planning Advisor (0.6 FTE) for a fixed-term engagement from 5 October 2026 to 7 January 2028. The role sits in the Early Childhood Improvement Branch, within the North Western Region.

It focuses on high-quality early childhood education access, stakeholder collaboration and managing service agreements with funded organisations. Ideal candidates will have experience in project management, data-driven decision making and

Qualifications

• Desirable: A relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care or a related field.
• Current Working With Children Check is required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure access to and participation in high-quality early childhood education and care.
• Build partnerships with local government, community service organisations and early childhood providers.
• Manage service agreements between the Department of Education and funded organisations.
• Support local level implementation of government Early Childhood policy and initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Care

Job description

Department of Education Victoria – Swan Hill VIC

1 x 0.6 FTE, fixed term role available. 5/10/2026 - 7/01/2028.

About the Department

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

About the Group

Schools and Regional Services (SRS) offers central, regional, and local expertise to enhance learning and development outcomes, supported by a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. It comprises 17 areas within 4 regions, backed by 5 central office divisions, all collaborating to deliver improved outcomes for early childhood services, schools, communities, and learners, in line with Education State commitments. SRS regions serve as a bridge between the central office, schools, and service providers, ensuring smooth transitions for learners and achieving the department's ambitious targets. Each region includes divisions specialising in school performance, student wellbeing and early childhood support, working with area-based teams to tailor local interventions and practices. The 17 areas provide crucial insights into local trends and issues, facilitating effective policy and program development and driving child and learner outcomes across all services and programs.

This role is located in the Early Childhood Improvement Branch, Mallee Area, North Western Region, SRS. The Early Childhood Improvement Branch implements key government Early Childhood policy, initiatives, reforms, and strategies at a local level.

About the Role

The Performance & Planning Advisor position focuses on ensuring that all children and families have access to, and participate in, high quality early childhood education and care. The role builds partnerships with key stakeholders, provides advice and support to local government, community service organisations and early childhood providers. A key responsibility of the role is managing service agreements between the Department of Education and funded organisations. The Early Childhood Implementation Division where this role sits, implements key government Early Childhood policy, initiatives, reforms, and strategies at a local level.

Attributes

The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to provide innovative solutions to complex issues. They will be able to build and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work collaboratively within a team. They will also have the capacity to effectively analyse data and utilise this to inform decision making skills and be able to work proactively and independently.

Qualifications and Experience

• Desirable: A relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care or a related field.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working With Children Check.

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 Grace Stevens, A/Early Childhood Improvement Branch Manager via email: *************@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 27th October 2026