We have an exciting opportunity to join our newly branded Early Years Department (currently Family & Children’s Services) from January 2025. As the Strategic Planning and Partnership Lead you will join the Early Years Leadership Team to establish two new portfolios areas that are focused on municipal planning for the early years and stakeholder holder management for Early Years Service Providers within the municipality. 

With support and direction from the Manager Early Years, the Strategic Planning and Partnerships Lead is responsible for leading, empowering, and supporting staff across the portfolio to achieve the Department Vision and alignment with Council’s strategic plans as they relate to children and families. The Strategic Planning and Partnerships Lead works across and partners with others in the Early Years Department and stakeholders in the community to drive required business outcomes to support positive outcomes for children and families.  

This is a full time permanent role based at our Civic Centre however we can offer a range of flexible work options for the right candidate. 

This is a Band 8 classified role, remuneration will be $125,409.17 - $140,806.03 (depending on experience) plus superannuation in accordance with the superannuation guarantee.  

What you will need to thrive 

In order to thrive in this position you will have: 

• Strong professional leadership skills with a genuine commitment to embedding the organisation’s values within teams.  

• The ability to influence and deliver change management for a diverse people environment across a range of early years stakeholders.  

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly, including the ability to understand and adapt to the audience to gain support and commitment by others.   

• The ability to work effectively and maintain direction, focus and engagement in a complex, changing environment with competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.  

• Business and strategic planning skills with an ability to design and deliver projects within budget and on time.  

• A strong knowledge of relevant legislation, funding, and policy platforms for early years service delivery in Victoria including other levels of government with a demonstrated understanding of evidence-based and integrated services practice.  

• Experience in systems thinking, service improvement, process analysis and transformational change design and implementation across a range of stakeholders.