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 Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria. The Division consists of two branches: Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch Sector Monitoring and Support Branch Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include: kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies Free Kinder kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting. Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Sector Monitoring and Support Branch include: kindergarten contract management policy and oversight leading financial assessment and monitoring of funded kindergarten providers data insights and analytics centrally managed and procured kindergarten supports, including payroll and IT Early Years Management Central Enrolment and Registration coordination of ECE's contribution to key departmental processes including business planning, the annual report, budget submissions and parliamentary committees. ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across ECE, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches. ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders. About the Role The Manager, Early Learning Funding leads a high-performing team responsible for funding policy design, complex modelling, and the integrity of funding data, analysis and reporting. The role provides leadership and oversight of funding methodologies, rate setting and budget management, and plays a critical role in ensuring funding is delivered accurately and aligned to policy intent. Key responsibilities include: leading funding policy development and complex modelling across kindergarten funding streams, including School Readiness Funding overseeing data analysis, validation and reporting to support funding decisions and system integrity managing the kindergarten funding budget, including monitoring and financial oversight leading the development of costings and analysis to inform funding options and reforms providing strategic advice on funding settings, risks and impacts building and leading a high-performing, collaborative team contributing to the culture of a high performing team. Attributes The ideal candidate is a strong and adaptable leader who can operate in a complex and evolving environment. They bring sound judgement, strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical outcomes. They demonstrate a collaborative and people-focused leadership style, with the ability to lead and support a team through competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across government and the sector. This includes working closely with central and regional teams, Commonwealth and Victorian Government agencies, local government, and peak bodies. The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain trusted relationships and networks to support effective policy development and delivery. Desirable Qualifications and Experience * A suitable tertiary qualification in a related field 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 Angela Batterham – Director, Early Learning Funding and Operations via angela.batterham@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 26th May 2026.
