Senior Assessment Adviser - STEM

Department of Education; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 116,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education in Melbourne is seeking an experienced professional to join the Assessment Division, STEM Assessment Unit for an ongoing full-time position, focusing on strengthening assessment practices in STEM.

Reporting to the Manager, STEM Assessment, you will lead end-to-end development of external assessments, provide expert advice on item development, and oversee assessment day operations, MCQ logs, and assessor training meetings.

Qualifications

• Essential: Expertise in assessment item development, preferably in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
• Experience in project management, and a tertiary qualification in Education or a relevant field.
• Experience developing high-quality assessments and managing cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of a portfolio of high-quality, valid external STEM assessments.
• Provide expert advice on development of valid and reliable external STEM assessments.
• Lead and manage assessment day operations, MCQ logs, assessor training meetings and queries.
• Lead procurement activities and contract management processes.
• Maintain accurate project records, governance reporting and timetables.
• Drive continuous improvement and address risks in collaboration with Operations.

Skills

Assessment item development

STEM expertise

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification in Education or relevant field

Job description

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Assessment Division in the STEM Assessment Unit for an ongoing full-time position.
Salary: $116,413 - $140,849 (Plus Superannuation of 12%)
Employment Type: Ongoing, Full-time
Base work location: Melbourne CBD/Hybrid

About the Department

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

Assessment Division is responsible for the end-to-end development, delivery, and reporting of F‑10, VCE examinations, GAT and NAPLAN tests. This includes the full assessment lifecycle: development of frameworks and blueprints, panel appointments, content development, editorial and design services, logistics, administration, marking, data processing, and reporting of outcomes.

The division also manages:

• VCE and VPC student records and enrolment data
• issuing of VCE and VPC certificates
• digital assessment platforms, including the Insight platform and Digital Assessment Library.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, STEM Assessment, this role focuses on strengthening assessment practices with a particular focus on STEM. They will:

• Operate effectively as part of branch and divisional teams to embed consistent effective and efficient operations and build a culture of collaboration and delivery
• Provide expert advice on and lead capability building in the development of valid and reliable external assessments, with a focus on STEM
• In collaboration with Operations Branch, provide leadership in the operationalisation of assessment, with a focus on STEM, including but not limited to: assessment guides, assessment day operations, MCQ logs, Script Selection, Assessor Training Meetings, assessor queries, and the external assessment report
• Lead and project manage the end-to-end development of a portfolio of high‑quality, valid reliable external assessments within agreed timelines and budget, with a focus on STEM
• Provide leadership, guidance and capability development to examination panel members, including supporting the Panel Chair to manage roles and responsibilities, develop and implement project timelines to meet key milestone dates, and meet quality standards
• Lead the consistent implementation of quality assurance processes and procedures, applying professional judgement and expertise to proactively identify, document, and respond to quality concerns
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and digital records of assessment materials, including within and across assessment cycles
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project records, including through project management software, registers, and databases, and deliver timely and accurate project reporting
• Scan the project horizon for emerging risks and issues, and manages these in line with established processes, procedures and policies, escalating as required
• Lead the selection, appointment, and performance management of examination development panels, and the selection, appointment and training of lead assessors and assessors
• Drive continuous improvement through a commitment to maintaining a solutions-focused mindset, engaging in individual and collective reflective practices, and implementation of best practice approaches.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, reports, correspondence, and other documentation on complex matters for senior leaders and governance forums.
• Lead procurement activities and contract management processes, ensuring adherence to relevant policies and ensuring suppliers meet contractual obligations, performance standards and deliver agreed outcomes.
• Work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing business needs while maintaining the quality and timeliness of outputs.

This role will require work outside standard business hours, and onsite work, during peak operational periods to meet business requirements.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: Expertise in assessment item development, preferably in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Experience in project management, and a tertiary qualification in Education or a relevant field.

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 Kate Brady, Director, Assessment Development via email at **********@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 30-Oct-2026