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

We are specifically looking for someone who can demonstrate:

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 (03) 9084 8570 or natasha.pellicano@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 Tuesday 27th October 2026.