Manager Policy Coordination and Projects

Help shape DEECA's strategic direction

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and strategic policy leader to join DEECA's Policy, Planning and Performance Branch as Manager, Policy Coordination and Projects.

Leading a flexible and responsive team, you will be at the centre of DEECA's strategic policy coordination function, driving advice and projects on complex issues that often span multiple portfolios, government priorities and stakeholder interests. The role provides authoritative strategic advice to senior executives and ministers, identifies emerging risks and opportunities, and supports coordinated responses to issues of significance across the department.

This is a unique opportunity to influence some of DEECA's most important strategic priorities while leading a capable team of policy and project professionals working across environment, climate action, energy, water, agriculture, resources and corporate issues. 

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Policy, Planning and Performance, you will:

• Lead a team delivering strategic policy advice and projects on complex cross-portfolio issues and opportunities facing DEECA.
• Provide high-quality analysis, briefings and advice to senior executives and ministers on emerging policy matters.
• Identify strategic risks and opportunities impacting DEECA.
• Build strong relationships across DEECA, central agencies and the broader Victorian Public Service to broker solutions to complex policy challenges.
• Lead short- to medium-term projects that help position the department to respond to emerging issues and government priorities.
• Contribute to branch leadership, workforce capability and a positive, high-performing culture. 

About you

You are a strategic thinker who enjoys working on complex problems and can quickly understand the broader policy, political and organisational context.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading complex policy, reform, strategy or project work in government or a similarly complex environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, persuasive and influential advice.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading and developing teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong judgement and an ability to navigate ambiguity, competing priorities and sensitive issues.
• A proven ability to build collaboration across organisational boundaries and influence outcomes at senior levels.
• A strong understanding of government decision-making processes and the broader public sector environment. 

Why join us?

The Policy, Planning and Performance Branch plays a critical role in strengthening DEECA's strategic direction, performance and organisational agility. The branch brings together strategic policy coordination, planning and performance, project governance, data and insights, and flexible policy and project resources to support the department's priorities.

In this role you'll have the opportunity to:

• Work on high-profile issues with significant organisational impact.
• Build your leadership, policy and strategic advisory skills.
• Collaborate with senior executives and stakeholders from across government.
• Help shape DEECA's response to emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Work in a flexible, supportive and inclusive environment. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Qualification in public policy within one or more of the policy areas offered by the department is preferred.
  

This is a fixed term position available for a period until 29 October 2027. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.