Senior Project Officer, Strategic Projects

About Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA)
VCEA is the peak body for Catholic education in Victoria. The former Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV)
was established in 1+73 by the Archbishop of Melbourne and the Bishops of the Ballarat, Sale, and Sandhurst dioceses,
it was incorporated in 2006. Following a review of the CECV the renewed peak body VCEA was established in 2023 and
acts as the voice of Catholic education in state and national matters.

VCEA receives and distributes funding from state and federal governments for Catholic schools, provides strategic
leadership and planning, and ensures proper governance in Catholic education statewide. It is responsible for sector
leadership in education integrity and governance and has a Memorandum of Understanding to act as a Review Body for
Catholic schools with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). As a Review Body, VCEA supports,
reviews, and monitors the compliance of Catholic schools with all registration, reporting and other requirements under
relevant laws.

Why work with us
As the peak body for Catholic education in Victoria, VCEA provides employees an opportunity to help shape the future of
Catholic education across the state. VCEA offers flexible working, a central city office location, competitive remuneration
with generous benefits (including tax-advantageous salary sacrifice options), and opportunities for career development
and progression.

These benefits combined with our commitment to work life balance, make VCEA an employer of choice.

About the role
The Research, Policy and Performance Excellence team undertakes a range of functions in support of the VCEA’s strategic
leadership role. It analyses data on school and system performance, oversees or undertakes strategic research and
projects, coordinates VCEA policy development, oversees submissions to government and regulatory agencies, and leads
other strategic initiatives to shape the direction of Catholic education in Victoria.

The Senior Project Officer, Strategic Projects will work within the Research, Policy and Performance Excellence,
collaboratively developing and supporting strategic projects while also leading reporting and oversight on the delivery of
VCEAs strategic plan.

Position Title Senior Project Officer, Strategic Projects

Reports to Manager, Research Policy and Performance Excellence

Direct Reports No

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Key Responsibilities of the Role
• Coordinate and support the development and implementation of research, policy, and strategic projects aligned to

the strategic goals of VCEA, especially initiatives to help improve the statewide performance of Catholic schools.

Manage, review, and update ongoing reporting on VCEA’s implementation of its strategic plan, in a Power BI
dashboard
Assist in collecting, analysing, and synthesising data and research findings to inform evidence-based decision-making.
Engage with internal and external stakeholders to support the delivery of statewide initiatives that enhance the
quality of Catholic education in Victoria.

Prepare high-quality reports, briefings, and presentations for various audiences, including VCEA leadership,
government agencies, and Catholic education stakeholders.
Provide project management support, including planning, tracking progress, and ensuring deliverables are met
within scope, budget, and timeframes.
Monitor education policy developments at the state and national level to assess their impact on Catholic education
and contribute to policy responses.
Perform other duties as required by the Manager, Research, Policy, and Performance Excellence and the Chief
Strategy Officer.

Key selection criteria
• Demonstrated experience in supporting or coordinating research, policy, or strategic projects, preferably in the

education sector.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and present data in a meaningful
way.
Experience in engaging and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality reports and
presentations.

Effective project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Power BI.

Skills, qualifications, and pre-requisites

Previous A minimum of three years’ experience in management or public policy consulting, or within a
Experience/s corporate or public sector strategy role, preferably within the education sector.

Qualifications Tertiary qualifications in Business, Economics, Education or a related field.

Organisational values A commitment to the ethos, values, and mission of Catholic education and to VCEA values of
excellence, promoting the common good, integrity, and equity.

Other requirements An understanding of and commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of children,
requiring that you:

a. Must hold and maintain a current Victorian Working with Children Check or be
eligible to receive same upon joining the organization.

b. Must also undergo and receive a clear National Criminal History Check (NCHC)
upon employment and during your employment with VCEA. All employees are
required not to have been charged with, nor found guilty of any offence which
would be incompatible with employment with VCEA.

Willingness to take reasonable care for your health and safety in the workplace and for the
health and safety of others who may be affected by what you do or don’t do.

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