Why work with us:

The Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) has been formed with a clear mandate: to create a fairer and better future for all children in South Australia by implementing the accepted recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.

As the steward of the early childhood development system, the Office will act on government's behalf, and work in collaboration with the sector, to organise and connect the system to reduce developmental vulnerability.

This includes providing universal access to quality, teacher-led preschool from the age of 3, growing and sustaining a quality early childhood workforce, and greater supports and connected services for families in the 1000 days of a child’s life.

About this role:

The Manager, Quality, System and Support will lead significant reform and oversee the delivery of high-profile priority programs and projects linked to the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

This role will play a crucial part in ensuring the Office fulfils legislative requirements and actively monitors the quality of all early childhood education and care services. The Manager will also work closely with senior executives across government and the broader early years sector.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Develop strategies to support services that provide preschool programs in SA and lift performance against national quality benchmarks.

Implement strategies and advice to support quality early education and care workforce in SA.

Lead the development of strategic advice regarding whole-of-sector service performance and inform strategic planning within OECD.

Formulate policy and undertake high level analysis on policy development that may impact quality early childhood education and care services.

Manage a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and productive environment to meet both long and short-term objectives.

Maintain an effective network with a wide range of stakeholders and represent OECD to influence and inform key decisions.

About you:

The Manager, Quality, System and Support will bring strong leadership qualities that inspire and guide teams to drive the implementation of workforce and quality improvement strategies. Supported by high-level communication skills, the Manager will also build collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders, bringing them together to shape and deliver strategies and initiatives.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who brings:

Leadership skills: demonstrated ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams.

Strong project/program management: strong skills to oversee the development and implementation of workforce and quality improvement programs.

Policy analysis: experience analysing and evaluating complex and sensitive policy issues and obtaining expert analysis from other agencies or non-government providers.

Stakeholder engagement: highly effective relationship-building skills to establish collaborative partnerships with a range of stakeholders, including education institutions, early years practitioners and leaders.

Communication skills: proven skills in developing written briefings of a high standard that convey complex information in a clear and succinct manner for a range of audiences.

Knowledge of early years landscape: understanding of early childhood development, preschool quality, workforce professional support and the national quality agenda.

Role Benefits:

A role with real influence and impact in government policy.

Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector

Work with senior officials across government and early childhood sectors.

Be part of an agency with a clear mission to improve the lives of South Australia’s children and families.

Access to salary packaging and SMART salary arrangements.

Access to flexible working arrangements.

Application Instructions and Information:

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the attached position description.

Remuneration:

MAS3 - $127,859 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus superannuation.

Additional Note:

This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to [email protected]

Special Conditions:

For all other special conditions please refer to the attached position description.