EMPLOYMENT

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 Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division (WHED) leads policy and programs to improve student wellbeing, mental health, child safety, health, engagement and inclusion. The division has a particular focus on improving outcomes for cohorts that may be disadvantaged or at risk when it comes to their education. The division has four branches: * Engaging Students at Risk * Family Violence and Child Safety * Mental Health Reform * Child and Youth Health The Engaging Students At Risk Branch (ESARB) has responsibility for designing and delivering state-wide and place-based policies and programs aimed at improving the educational outcomes of vulnerable and disengaged children and young people. About the Role This role will commence on 1 March 2026 and is fixed term until 30 June 2027. The Policy Manager leads the Department of Education's Attendance Policy team, which has overall responsibility for the attendance portfolio. Located within the Engaging Students at Risk Branch in Wellbeing Health and Engagement Division, this role is responsible for leading critical work on policy reform and priority projects aimed at improving attendance rates in Victorian government schools. The role works with operational and policy areas across the Department to identify and deliver improvements in policy and guidance and manage projects aimed at targeting specific drivers of absence. The role will also provide advice to schools and regional staff and other stakeholders on current attendance policies and processes. Attributes The successful applicant will have significant experience designing and delivering complex policy work informed by data, and in close consultation with a range of stakeholders. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Relevant tertiary qualification in a relevant field is desirable. How to apply Applicants are encouraged to include a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria provided in the position description. 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 Laura Brennan, Director Engaging Students at Risk via email at Laura.Brennan@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 Thursday, 11 December 2025