Manager, Standards Assessment

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 VCAA is a statutory body responsible to the Victorian Minister for Education, serving both government and non-government schools. In this context, the VCAA is responsible for developing high-quality curriculum and assessment products and services. The VCAA is a registered foundational and senior secondary awarding body with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). As part of its functions, the VCAA develops policies, criteria and standards for: * curriculum, assessments and courses for school-aged students * learning, development and assessments which relate to early childhood The VCAA develops strong relationships with the government, Independent and Catholic school sector, other national and interstate curriculum authorities, academics in the field, teacher/subject associations and, most importantly, with Victorian educators. All VCAA employees are expected to perform their duties in accordance with relevant legislation, governance requirements, policies and procedures, safety obligations, the Code of Conduct for Victorian public sector employees, and the Victorian Public Sector Values. All roles are expected to work collaboratively across teams and functions, build productive relationships, and contribute to shared organisational outcomes. Assessment Division is responsible for the end-to-end development, delivery, and reporting of F-10, VCE examinations, GAT and NAPLAN tests. This includes the full assessment lifecycle: development of frameworks and blueprints, panel appointments, content development, editorial and design services, logistics, administration, marking, data processing, and reporting of outcomes. The division also manages: * VCE and VPC student records and enrolment data * issuing of VCE and VPC certificates * digital assessment platforms, including the Insight platform and Digital Assessment Library. About the Role * Lead and manage a high-performing team to deliver high-quality services, while overseeing significant budget, resourcing and people management responsibilities. * Drive and sustain a positive organisational culture by modelling behaviours aligned with the VCAA's vision and mission and the VPS values, and promoting a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace. * Build and maintain respectful, collaborative and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes. * Provide leadership in a dynamic environment by responding flexibly to shifting priorities, managing pressure effectively and ensuring delivery of high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes. * Provide authoritative analysis and expert advice to: * support evidence-based decision-making for VCAA management, the Board, staff and external stakeholders * resolve complex issues through consultation, negotiation and sound judgement * communicate and manage highly complex, contentious or sensitive matters requiring advanced negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills * Drive continuous improvement by responding innovatively to emerging strategic issues affecting the operating environment, and ensuring work aligns with relevant legislation, regulations and organisational requirements. * Contribute to strategic planning and be accountable for achieving established objectives, including the development and management of business plans. * Operate effectively as part of branch and divisional leadership teams to embed consistent, effective and efficient operations and build a culture of collaboration and delivery * Lead end-to-end project management, design and development of a large portfolio of valid and reliable external assessments, including the General Achievement Test (GAT) * Oversee the quality, validity and integrity of assessment product content, including review, trialing, analysis and alignment with relevant curricula and assessment frameworks, in consultation with psychometric specialists. * Recruit, train and oversee expert panels and contractors, and lead stakeholder engagement and governance processes, to support high-quality outputs, timely decision-making and continuous improvement across examination activities. * Provide strategic and technical leadership for the coordination, review, and development of assessment content, including for the National Assessment Program, providing clear direction, feedback and expert guidance. * Provide thought leadership in the development and project management of external assessments * Drive continuous improvement individually and collectively through reflective leadership practice, modelling, and accountability * Prepare high-quality briefs, reports, correspondence, and other documentation on complex matters for senior leaders and governance forums. * Oversee complex and high-value budgets, procurement activities and contract management processes, ensuring adherence to relevant policies and embedding best practice amongst teams * Ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations, performance standards and deliver agreed outcomes. * This role will require work outside standard business hours during peak operational periods to meet business requirements. Attributes Please refer to the position description attached. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Please refer to the position description attached. 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 Kate Brady, Director, Assessment Development via kate.brady@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 16 October