Principal Program Officer - Kindergarten Programs

Are you interested in supporting strategic initiatives to ensure all children are thriving and starting strong to realise their full potential? The K-2 Strategy Branch in the Early Childhood Division is seeking a Principal Program Officer to lead policy, program management and capability activities to support the governance of State Delivered Kindergarten and build organisational capability to improve outcomes for Queensland children and families.

About Us

The Early Childhood Division of the Department of Education leads the development and implementation of policy, funding and regulatory frameworks to ensure all children from birth to 8 years are engaged in high-quality programs and services that support learning and development, and positive and confident transitions.

Key state-provided programs and activities overseen by the Kindergarten to Year 2 (K-2) Strategy Branch include: State Delivered Kindergarten, eKindy, and building professional expertise in the early years, including projects focused on teaching, leading, learning, and transitions under the K-12 educational strategy.

Your Role

The position reports to the Manager and is responsible for implementing a range of capability, governance and program management activities, preparing Ministerial and executive reporting requests under tight timeframes, as well as supporting the implementation of a range of high-profile early childhood programs and activities in Queensland state schools.

Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

Leading activities to ensure the effective governance, program management and development of strategic and operational policy for state-wide early childhood programs and initiatives.
Providing strategic and expert advice on policy, financial, legislative and curriculum matters to implement programs aligned to government and departmental strategic objectives.
Supporting the department's functions as an Approved Provider through knowledge of the National Quality Framework, operational policy, capability building initiatives, resource development and effective program governance.
Preparing executive briefings and providing informed recommendations to senior management regarding complex strategic issues to support quality executive decision making.
Strategic design, development and delivery of resources to build the capability of leaders and teaching teams, and support the enactment of early years curriculum and quality improvement frameworks


About You

As the Principal Program Officer in the K-2 Strategy Branch, you will:

have a strong background in one or more of the following - the legislative frameworks applicable to the regulation of early childhood, state school operations, state school and early years curriculum and quality improvement frameworks, program and budget management, policy writing, governance and risk, stakeholder management, corporate governance and reporting;
be a strategic thinker and highly organised;
be flexible and agile to support and lead work across a number of programs and projects;
be an exceptional writer and communicator;
have excellent attention to detail and coordination skills; and
have the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with regional, internal and external stakeholders.


How To Apply

Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history) and a 1-2 page written response outlining your experience and suitability for the role against the competencies outlined in the role description.


We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE).

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace.  Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.

Occupational group Administration