At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure access to quality early childhood education and build partnerships with key stakeholders.
- Company: Department of Education focused on supporting families and lifelong learning.
- Benefits: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and contribute to community development.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education preferred; strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 $ per year.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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 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.
Performance and Planning Advisor in Bendigo employer: Department of Education
The Department of Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement. As an Investigator in the Conduct and Integrity Division, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the education sector while benefiting from professional development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Located in Victoria, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to a high-performing team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of conduct and service delivery.
