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. The department supports a culture of leadership, learning and renewal in all workplaces with opportunities for career development and advancement. Further information about the department is available at: www.vic.gov.au/education About the Division The Department of Education is the Victorian Regulatory Authority for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services under delegation from the Secretary. The Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD) in the department regulates and quality assesses Victorian ECEC services. It drives the delivery of high-quality services and ensures the safety, health and wellbeing of Victorian children attending those services. QARD regulates approximately 4,900 services including family day care, outside school hours care, long day care and kindergarten programs, as required by the Education and Care Services National Law 2010 (National Law). QARD also regulates around 180 services operating under the Victorian Children's Services Act 1996 (Children's Services Act); these include occasional care and limited hours services. QARD is responsible for: approving providers and services as required by the National Law and Children's Services Act monitoring service compliance and conducting investigations in response to notifications and complaints assessment and rating of family day care, outside school hours care, long day care and kindergarten programs against the National Quality Standard (NQS) for Early Childhood Education and School Age Care supporting legislative policy development. QARD is also the integrated sector regulator of the Child Safe Standards for all early childhood services in Victoria. Further information about QARD is available at: www.vic.gov.au/role-quality-assessment-and-regulation-division About the Role An exciting opportunity exists for a skilled senior leader who will be responsible for leading a team of Senior Investigation Officers who are responsible for investigating high priority, complex and sensitive investigations in relation to early childhood education and care services. As the Manager, you will build QARD's investigative capability by developing the skills and competency of staff to deliver investigative activities in accordance with the relevant Law, Regulations and Government policy. You will also be responsible for providing authoritative and expert advice, information and recommendations to senior management in relation to investigations, sanctions and other compliance matters. The position managed by the Director, Operations will collaborate with regional QARD area teams to lead strategic investigative planning, provide expert advice, enable knowledge sharing and explore opportunities for continuous improvement. The position is a frontline response role and at time will be required to travel across Victorian to respond to high investigation cases. Occasionally, this will include planned overnight stays. This is a full time, 12-month fixed term position at the VPS6 level based in Melbourne CBD. Attributes To be successful in this role, you will have: the ability to investigate alleged contraventions of legislation including planning and recommending actions throughout the life of an investigation (including collecting evidence, having case discussions, conducting witness interviews, and writing reports) experience in the planning and conduct of operational investigations the ability to identify, gather and analyse evidence and information in a court-admissible manner strong conceptual and analytical skills, including an ability to interpret legislation, standards, guidelines and practices to ensure effective regulation of the ECEC sector strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders (internal and external) strong planning and organising skills and attention to detail. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Desirable: Relevant experience in the conduct of regulatory or criminal investigations Desirable: Cert IV or Diploma in Government Investigations or equivalent Essential: Successful applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check and Victorian driver's licence. 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 Rowena Hansen, Director Operations via 03 7022 2672 or Rowena.Hansen@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 28th August 2025.
