At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to design and deliver educational programs for rural and regional students.
- Company: Department of Education focused on improving educational outcomes for all students.
- Benefits: Diverse work environment, professional development, and opportunities to make a real impact.
- Other info: Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and support students facing barriers in their learning journey.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or experience in education or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 82800 - 101200 $ per year.
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. It 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 Branch
Partnerships and Priority Cohorts (PPC): the PPC branch designs and delivers programs and policies that improve the educational attainment of priority cohorts in our school system; and groups of students who face potential barriers to their education. This includes programs that seek to improve the educational outcomes of rural and regional students, building the capability of schools to support the educational needs of refugee students, supporting students who have English as an additional language (EAL), supporting CALD students, and supporting students facing financial disadvantage. The branch also manages the delivery of a range of state-wide programs, including the Affordable School Uniforms, Glasses for Kids, Swimming and Water Safety Education, Language Services, Student Scholarship programs, and the Early Intervention Sports and Activities Menu initiative.
About the Role
The Rural and Regional Manager leads a small team that designs and delivers programs, develops policy, and engages with stakeholders to improve outcomes and opportunities for students in rural and regional Victoria. The team's work has a focus on:
- Leading system-wide analysis to understand opportunities for rural and regional schools and students.
- Building the evidence base to support better understanding of the impact of existing policies and programs on rural and regional schools.
- Improving subject choice for rural and regional students by expanding and improving virtual and blended learning options.
- Managing other programs and projects that expand opportunities for rural and regional students.
About you
Reporting to the Director, the successful applicant will play a key leadership role contributing to the delivery of the Branch's priorities by:
- Being an integral part of a high-performing leadership team working in a dynamic environment.
- Providing strategic advice on issues associated with program design and implementation.
- Leading the development of operational policy and program improvements, including detailed analysis of options.
- Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver the work program.
- Developing a high performing team and contributing to a collaborative and productive team culture.
- Having a good understanding of government processes.
- Managing external contracts and consultancies as required.
Attributes
The ideal candidate excels in adaptability, fostering collaborative teamwork, and partnering with stakeholders for co-creation. They exhibit critical thinking, resolving issues within policies and procedures. Proficient in project delivery, they define tasks, coordinate activities, and monitor stakeholder satisfaction for added value.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Relevant university qualifications or experience in a related field.
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.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact:
- Before Tuesday 20 October: Sarah Logan, A/Director, Partnerships and Priority Cohorts Branch via (03) 7022 2*** or ***********@education.vic.gov.au
- From Wednesday 21 October: Dan O'Brien, Director, Partnerships and Priority Cohorts Branch via (03) 7022 2*** or **********@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 Monday 26 October, 2026.
Program Manager 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.
