About the Role This is a fixed term backfill position until 19 February 2027. Reporting to the Manager, School Support Unit (SSU) the Senior Strategy Adviser plays a key leadership role in the team, leads key strategic engagement activities with International Student Program (ISP) schools and provides high level advice to senior leaders on compliance and regulatory requirements. The Senior Strategy Adviser thinks creatively to address challenges. They work autonomously to form strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders and develop solutions that are well reasoned and articulated. The Senior Strategy Adviser has two direct reports (VPS4) and is responsible for providing guidance to a team of nine. They actively contribute to the functioning of the ISP and International Education and Partnerships Division (IEPD) by participating in business and strategic planning activities and representing IEPD at stakeholder meetings. The role is responsible for: Designing and delivering an annual professional learning program for schools; and chairing the International Student Coordinator (ISC) Reference Group Maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the needs of international students in Victorian government schools are considered and addressed, including in mainstream student support services. Leading several different projects for the team, including health and wellbeing projects targeted at students and ISCs. Producing operational policies and procedures that balance compliance and regulatory requirements with school and student needs Managing day to day team operations, leading change management activities and supporting staff. Other issues as directed. Critical Incident Management The role is required to assist schools with the management of critical incidents (including emergencies). These can include incidents involving behaviours of concern, mental stress and matters of protective concern. Attributes As our ideal candidate, you will have: A demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure including through incident management activities A proven ability to think through challenges from a range of regulatory angles while considering different stakeholders and arriving at workable solutions Experience contributing to, and leading, strategic work that has had positive impact Experience creating a positive culture of collaboration with team members and those you work with Desirable Qualifications and Experience A relevant tertiary qualification in education or a related field is desirable for this role. An understanding of international education provider compliance and risk management strategies. To support the IEPD's commitment to fostering child safe environments and protecting children from harm, staff are expected to promote a child safe culture, adhere to child safety policies and procedures and act in a child safe manner at all times. This includes acting in a child safe manner when participating in school visits, undertaking student recruitment activities and participating in student related events. To support IEPD's commitment to fostering child safe environments and protecting children from harm, all new and existing staff must possess a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for employment. How to apply To apply, please include your resume and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your skills and experience relevant to the requirements, capabilities and key selection criteria for the role. 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. About the Division International Education and Partnerships Division (IEPD) leads global learning and engagement activities for the department and works with schools to offer programs to connect students with the world. As part of IEPD, the School Support Unit's (SSU) key responsibilities are to: Ensure the department's compliance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act (Cth), Education Training and Reform (ETRA) Act (Vic), Child Safety Standards and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Agency's guidelines for the enrolment of overseas students aged under 18. Maintain accurate international student records and data on both the department's and Federal Government information systems (PRISMS). Support Victorian government schools to deliver high-quality and compliant services to international students by delivering professional development opportunities for principals and International Student Coordinators (ISC). Develop and implement specific projects that support international students enrolled in Victorian government schools. * Support schools to manage critical incidents by providing strategic advice on issues of high criticality. 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 Louise Freeman, Manager, School Support Unit via email at: louise.freeman@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 16th November 2025.
