At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communication strategies and develop resources for early childhood projects.
- Company: Department of Education, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Full-time role until June 2029 with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in early childhood education through effective communication.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in a related field and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 82800 - 101200 $ per year.
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Lead the development and implementation of communications and resources to support key projects and initiatives within a fast-paced early childhood operational environment.
About the Role
The Senior Communication and Engagement Advisor leads the development and implementation of communications and resources to support key projects and initiatives within a fast-paced early childhood operational environment. The role provides expert communication advice and develops clear, targeted messaging for diverse audiences including services, providers, families, and internal stakeholders. Working closely with program and policy teams, the advisor ensures that communication activities align with departmental priorities and help drive successful reform implementation. This position is also responsible for developing a range of communication materials, managing stakeholder engagement, and supporting issues management in a dynamic and highly visible policy space. This is a Fixed term full-time opportunity until 30 June 2029.
Attributes
- Do you enjoy crafting clear, targeted messages that help diverse audiences understand complex reforms and policies?
- Are you someone who can anticipate stakeholder needs, identify risks, and shape communication strategies that support change and build trust?
- Do you have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams to deliver consistent and effective messaging?
- Do you take ownership of your work, managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while delivering high-quality communication outputs?
- Do you bring political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate sensitivities and provide sound communication advice to senior leaders?
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- A suitable tertiary qualification in a related field
- A valid Working with Children Check for paid employment purpose
About the Division
The Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria. The Division consists of two branches:
- Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch
- Sector Monitoring and Support Branch
Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:
- kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide
- setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies
- strategic funding and operational projects, including supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the Preschool Reform Agreement
- Free Kinder kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting.
Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Sector Monitoring and Support Branch include:
- kindergarten contract management policy and oversight
- leading financial assessment and monitoring of funded kindergarten providers, including the kindergarten Audit and Assurance Program
- centrally managed and procured kindergarten supports, including kindergarten payroll and IT and engagement of Early Learning Association Australia
- supports and resources for committee of management operated kindergarten services
- supporting the implementation of attendance data collection through the Arrival funding system.
The ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across ECE, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches. ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders.
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.
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 Courtney Grace, Manager, Early Learning Operations at courtney.grace@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 Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor in Melbourne employer: Victorian Government
The Victorian Government offers a supportive and inclusive work environment for Integration Aides and Literacy Intervention staff in the Melbourne Northern Suburbs, where employees are encouraged to grow professionally and contribute to meaningful educational outcomes. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the department fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered to make a difference in students' lives. Additionally, the ongoing nature of this role provides stability and the opportunity to develop essential skills in a dynamic educational setting.
