Senior Practitioner, Diversity, Inclusion And Engagement

Department of Education & Training, Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Education & Training, Victoria seeks a Senior Practitioner to lead the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, oversee reporting and briefs, and guide policy development. You will manage a small team, handle complex stakeholder engagement, and drive organisational learning and inclusion across the department.

The role requires strategic thinking, excellent communications, data analysis, and adaptable leadership to address changing priorities and governance needs in a large

Qualifications

• Experience in diversity, inclusion or workforce engagement strategies.
• Ability to develop and deliver training and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication for multiple audiences.
• Capability to analyse data and monitor strategy effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
• Oversee reporting and briefing papers related to the Strategy.
• Coordinate communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop policies, procedures and governance documentation.
• Manage 1–2 team members and respond to changing priorities.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project delivery

Stakeholder management

People management

Written communication

Education

Human Resources

Law

Policy

Psychology

Sociology

Job description

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

The People Strategy and Operations Division (VPS) was established to provide end to end services to the department's 4,000_ VPS employees, provide strategic workplace relations advice and support to the VPS and earl childhood sectors, and manage corporate office working places and environmental sustainability.

About the Role

The Senior Practitioner will lead the implementation of the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and other key strategic documents, along with leading reporting and monitoring of the Strategy and associated papers and briefings. This would include leading communications and engagement, data analysis and reporting, development and delivery of training and presentations on a variety of topics, stakeholder engagement and management, development and revision of required policies, procedures, and other governance, and providing tailored support to employees and Managers as required. The role will also manage 1-2 team members and requires the ability to deal with ambiguity and remain responsive to changing priorities.

Attributes

• Flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to pivot between tasks and priorities with ease
• Strong track record of strategic thinking, project delivery, and complex stakeholder management in the context of diversity, inclusion and engagement
• Inclusive and person-centered people management
• Excellent writing skills for a range of audiences
• Ability to identify and manage risks and meet tight deadlines
• The ability to work collaboratively with the team and other key stakeholders and remain positive and solutions-focussed despite setbacks or difficulties

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and experience in the following areas is desirable: Human Resources, Law, Policy, Psychology, Sociology or similar field. Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g., gender equality, human rights, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination laws) and inclusive workplace policies and practices is highly 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, LGBTIQA+, disability, neurodiversity, and other difference. 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 Natasha Pellicano, Manager Employee Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement via [phone] or [e-mail].

Pre-Employment Checks and Confidentiality

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.

Closing Date

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 27th October 2026.