Principal in Residence

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 143,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Victorian Government, Melbourne-based, is seeking a fixed-term Principal in Residence to lead curriculum policy and strategy within the Curriculum Division. The role focuses on evidence-based guidance, reform implementation, and building strategic partnerships to advance the department’s vision and mission.

The position sits in East Melbourne with full-time hours and a 27/01/2027 to 26/01/2028 term, subject to extension.

Qualifications

• Essential: Relevant tertiary qualification in education
• Victorian Institute of Teaching registration
• Postgraduate qualification or training in educational leadership
• Substantive principal class member with depth of front-line educational leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead education initiatives with evidence-based guidance
• Oversee reform implementation across curricula
• Nurture strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Advance the VCAA's vision and mission through leadership
• Foster cross-organisational collaboration on programs and policy
• Provide expert advice on curriculum policy, resources and professional learning
• Support governance, safety, and code of conduct requirements

Skills

Educational leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in education

VIT registration

Postgraduate qualification in educational leadership

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DE/VCAA/1953138

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Curriculum Division in the Curriculum Policy and Strategy Branch for a fixed term full-time Principal in Residence position.

• Salary: $142,790 - $191,084 (Plus Superannuation of 12%)
• Fixed term: 27/01/2027 till 26/01/2028 (with possibility of a 12-month extension)
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexible work conditions may be available)
• Usual work location: East Melbourne

The VCAA is a statutory body responsible to the Victorian Minister for Education, serving both government and non-government schools. In this context, the VCAA is responsible for developing high-quality curriculum and assessment products and services.

The VCAA is a registered foundational and senior secondary awarding body with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). As part of its functions, the VCAA develops policies, criteria and standards for:

• curriculum, assessments and courses for school-aged students
• learning, development and assessments which relate to early childhood

The VCAA develops strong relationships with the government, Independent and Catholic school sector, other national and interstate curriculum authorities, academics in the field, teacher/subject associations and, most importantly, with Victorian educators.

All VCAA employees are expected to perform their duties in accordance with relevant legislation, governance requirements, policies and procedures, safety obligations, the Code of Conduct for Victorian public sector employees, and the Victorian Public Sector Values.

All roles are expected to work collaboratively across teams and functions, build productive relationships, and contribute to shared organisational outcomes.

About the Division

Curriculum Division is responsible for the development, implementation and review of:

• the Victorian Curriculum F-10
• Senior Secondary, including: the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the VCE Vocational Major; the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC); the VCE Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs
• international programs

About the Role

The Principal in Residence is a key member of the Curriculum Policy and Strategy Branch and is responsible for leading education initiatives by providing evidence-based guidance, overseeing reform implementation, and nurturing strategic partnerships. They embody educational leadership with a forward-thinking strategic vision, driving the advancement of the VCAA's vision and mission.

The role includes fostering and facilitating effective internal and external stakeholder relationships, contributing to cross-organisational and sector collaboration, and providing expert advice about programs, processes and strategies that will shape curriculum policy, resources and professional learning.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Essential: Relevant tertiary qualification in education; Victorian Institute of Teaching registration; relevant postgraduate qualification or training in educational leadership; must be a substantive principal class member with a depth of experience in front-line educational leadership

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 Sean Butler - Executive Director Curriculum via 0401 081 382 or [e-mail]

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 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 Friday 30 October 2026 at 11.59pm