About the Role
An exciting ongoing prospect exists in the Southern Melbourne Area Early Childhood Improvement Branch as an Early Childhood Performance and Planning Advisor. It is a 0.7 FTE Fixed term position commencing on 16 November 2026 – 4 May 2027. The role is based in the Dandenong Office. We are looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a team and has exceptional planning and organisational skills.
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.
In some areas the role may have line management responsibilities.
Attributes
This position will * Provide advice and guidance to service providers to enable effective delivery of funded programs * Establish and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders, including Local Government and kindergarten service providers * ensuring that all children and families have access to, and participate in, high quality early childhood education and care. * Manages service agreements between the Department of Education and funded organisations to ensure delivery of funded programs and organisations meet key policy and service agreement policies and funding requirements * Supports the implementation of key government Early Childhood policy, initiatives, reforms, and strategies at a local level.



* Support and work collaboratively with Senior Early Childhood Performance and Planning Advisors and the Early Childhood Improvement Branch team. 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. 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 Southern Melbourne Area, South Eastern Victoria Region, SRS. The Early Childhood Improvement Branch 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. How to Apply
Applicants are advised to include a resume and a response to the Key Selection Criteria (maximum 3 pages).
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 Nicole Regan – Early Childhood Improvement Branch Manager via (03) 8904 2525 or [email protected] 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 10 November 2026

📌 Early Childhood Performance and Planning Advisor (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Government
📍 Melbourne