Principal Policy Adviser (Child Safety Legislative Reforms)

Department of Education & Training, Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education and Training, Victoria, is seeking a policy professional to join the Early Childhood Strategy Division on a fixed-term basis until 30 June 2027. You will lead complex policy reform projects and provide strategic analysis to strengthen child safety in the early childhood education and care sector.

You will collaborate across government and with stakeholders, produce high‑quality advice, and adapt to changing priorities as reforms unfold.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex policy projects and legislative/regulatory reform.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical abilities.
• Refined stakeholder engagement and collaboration under shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Drive high-impact national legislative reforms to improve child safety in early childhood education and care.
• Deliver policy development and regulatory reform in collaboration with cross-sector partners.
• Provide high-quality analysis and advice to Ministers and stakeholders.

Skills

Policy leadership

Written communication

Verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

About the Department

This is a fixed term position until 30 June 2027. 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 Childhood Strategy Division (ECSD) is a small and influential strategic policy unit within ECE Group that leads a wide range of complex and high profile strategic early childhood policy and reform projects. We work on child safety reform, connecting government systems across the Children's Portfolio, analysing Victorian kindergarten funding settings and the impact of national funding arrangements, and undertake strategic projects related to early childhood systems, markets and cohorts. In addition to building policy capability across ECE group and the department, ECSD is responsible for delivering high quality analysis and advice to a range of key stakeholders and Ministers. Our work has a strong focus on increasing equity and quality across the education system to improve outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage and plays a critical role in ensuring the ECEC system is working well to ensure the delivery of high‑quality early childhood education and care for all children in Victoria.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Early Childhood Strategy Division until end June 2027. These positions will drive complex, high impact national legislative reforms to improve child safety across the early childhood education and care sector. The work is meaningful, fast‑paced and complex, and you will be working within a supportive, collaborative team.

Attributes

To be successful in the role, you will have experience in leading complex work programs to deliver policy development and/or legislative or regulatory reform, strong written and verbal communication, conceptual and analytical skills, refined stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to adapt under shifting priorities and timelines. We are also looking for someone who is strength‑based, with a collaborative and supportive approach, to play an active leadership role in our positive divisional and team culture.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

While the team requires a mix of skills and all applicants with the above skills are encouraged to apply, experience in strategic policy projects, legislative or regulatory reform and/or intergovernmental relations is desirable.

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 Adam Hourigan via [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 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 16 November 2026