Job Description

An exciting opportunity to join our team and play an important role in the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (Academy). 

At the Academy, we are passionate about meaningful and exciting work that has an impact on education and student outcomes. Our shared purpose is to create and offer evidence-informed professional learning programs, events and initiatives designed to take Victoria's highly skilled teachers and school leaders from great to exceptional and advance the quality and status of teaching and school leadership.   

We care about the quality of our work, demonstrate collective responsibility for continuous improvement and support each other to do the very best we can every day to achieve our goals. 

The Academy is a learning organisation that provides opportunities for employees to grow. We have a positive culture that we are building together, where people feel supported, valued and heard. 

About the Division

The Academy Services Division provides a range of specialist services to colleagues across the Academy, and to program participants (potential and current) to ensure high quality professional learning, and an optimal experience for our stakeholders. The Division's four specialist areas include learning design, data evaluation and evidence, communications and marketing, and participant and program support.  

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists for you as the Project Officer in the Evaluation and Evidence Centre (EEC) team to drive evidence-informed practice and generate valuable insights across the Academy. This role is critical in supporting the Academy's evaluation and evidence activities which deliver enhanced decision-making and drive continuous improvement. 

As a Project Officer, you will play a key role in supporting core EEC activities through contributing to the design, and delivery of mixed-methods evaluation and research projects that measure the impact of Academy objectives, including the Regional Centres and professional learning programs. Your work will directly influence the Academy's ability to achieve its performance targets and contribute to systemic improvements in the education sector. 

To be successful in this role you will: 

• Support the team to deliver complex evaluation and research projects, from inception to completion, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, actionable insights and reports. 

• Undertake data analysis to distil key insights and recommendations for the delivery of projects within the EEC portfolio. 

• Provide high quality advice and support to Academy teams on monitoring, evaluating, and refining professional learning initiatives, ensuring alignment with best practices and strategic goals. 

• Prepare operational and strategic reports, briefs and correspondence on complex issues that impact at the Academy or departmental level. 

• Collaborate closely with the Leadership Excellence, Teaching Excellence, and Regional divisions to support data translation and the generation of insights that enhance strategic decision-making and program refinement. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, leveraging your high level of interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills. 

• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the Academy's monitoring and evaluation infrastructure, ensuring it is fit for purpose and aligned with leading practice methodologies. 

Bring your expertise in evaluation, research, and stakeholder engagement to this challenging and rewarding role, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Academy's objectives and the broader education sector. 

Capabilities

Are you experienced in supporting the delivery of evaluation and research projects, adept at translating strategies into actionable projects, and skilled in stakeholder engagement? You should have a proven ability to analyse data, distil key findings and deliver high-quality, insightful reports. Your expertise in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis is essential, as is your capacity to navigate challenges through effective problem-solving. Strong oral and written communication skills are crucial, particularly in preparing clear and concise reports, briefs, and communications. Additionally, your ability to build and maintain strong relationships, lead staff, work effectively within teams will be key to your success. Resilience, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit are essential personal qualities for thriving in this role. 

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in project management of evaluation and/or research projects. 

• Track record of translating research findings into actionable insights that influence decision-making. 

• Strong experience in stakeholder management and the ability to build mutually beneficial partnerships. 

• Strong analytical skills for interpreting and presenting both qualitative and quantitative data including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• A tertiary qualification in evaluation, research, social sciences, or a related field. 

Further Information

Please respond by submitting a cover letter, supported by a maximum 2-page response to the key selection criteria and a recent CV/Resume.

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description.

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 Grant Smith, Manager Evaluation and Evidence Centrevia 0405 626 525 or grant.smith3@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 15^th October, 2024.