Manager, Policy And Provision (Modelling)

Manager, Policy and Provision (Modelling)

Office for Early Childhood Development Job reference : 681950

Location : 5000 - ADELAIDE

Job status : Long Term Contract

Eligibility : Open to Everyone

Why work withus : TheOffice for Early Childhood Development was created to championchange and to help build a system that gives all South Australianchildren a flying start to life.

Guided bythe recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early ChildhoodEducation and Care, the Office for Early Childhood Development isthe steward of the early childhood development system in SouthAustralia.

TheOffice is tasked with a significant responsibility : bringingtogether a holistic, connected system for early childhooddevelopment across South Australia, with the goal of reducing therate of children entering school developmental vulnerable. Criticalto this is the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool from2026, giving every child access to 2 years of teacher-led,play-based early learning before school.

About thisrole : AsManager, Policy and Provision (Modelling), you will lead the designand delivery of state-wide modelling to support the implementationof universal 3-year-old preschool. This includes enrolmentforecasting, infrastructure and workforce supply analysis, fundingmodel development, and contributions to strategic budgeting andpolicy setting.

Workingwithin the Office for Early Childhood Development, your leadershipwill ensure modelling and analytics directly inform key decisionsat both the strategic and operational levels, while aligning withbroader early childhood development goals.

Your KeyResponsibilities : Design, implementand manage high-quality models that forecast supply and demandfor preschool services including workforce, infrastructure,enrolment and cost dimensions.Leadcomplex quantitative analysis to inform policy decisions,service planning and funding strategies.Develop and maintainfunding models that are efficient, equitable, andsustainable.Collaborate acrossdepartments to ensure data governance, analytical consistencyand policy alignment.Advise seniorexecutives and government stakeholders through clear,data-driven policy insights and reports.Evaluate the impactof new policies and funding models to support ongoingimprovement.Build strongpartnerships with internal and external stakeholders includinggovernment agencies, service providers and thought leaders inearly childhood.Aboutyou- This rolewill drive critical forecasting across enrolments, workforce,infrastructure, and funding to shape high-impact, data-informedpolicy. You will lead the development of funding models, guidebudget decisions, and manage a high-performing team, all whileworking collaboratively across government to ensure equitable andefficient delivery of early childhood education. If you'repassionate about using data to shape meaningful reform, this isyour opportunity to lead with purpose.

To besuccessful in this role, you will demonstrate :

StrategicPolicy Expertise : Ability to design and implementcomplex policy through high-quality analysis and strategicthinking.AdvancedModelling & Data Analysis : Proficient instatistical modelling, simulation and forecasting techniques,with significant experience in R . Able todistil complex data into actionable insights.Communication& Influence : Skilled at translating complexityinto clarity. Able to engage senior stakeholders and advocatefor evidence-informed decisions.ProjectManagement : Proven ability to lead end-to-end projectsfrom planning to delivery within a policy context.Collaboration& Stakeholder Engagement : Able to work acrossorganisational boundaries, build trust, and drive sharedoutcomes.Applyyour expertise in modelling, economics, or public policy toinfluence one of the most transformative reforms in SouthAustralia's education system.

DesirableSkills : Atertiary qualification in economics, mathematics, statistics,or other relevant fields.Knowledge of theearly childhood sector, including funding structures, workforcechallenges and service delivery models.Rolebenefits : Thesuccessful candidate will get to -

Make ameaningful difference : Help shape access to preschooland early learning infrastructure that supports families andcommunities across the state.DriveReal-World outcomes : From policy design toimplementation, your expertise will directly impact planningand service delivery.Collaboratewith impact : Work closely with leaders acrosseducation, finance, infrastructure, and government to shapedecisions at the highest levels.Accessflexible work options : Supportive of work-life balancewith flexible working arrangements available.ApplicationInstructions and Information : Applications should bemade through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants must submit aCV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining theirsuitability against the key selection criteria in the attachedPosition Description.

AdditionalNote : This is afull-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potentialto be made ongoing.

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

Enquiries : Enquiriescan be directed to

SpecialConditions : For allother Special Conditions please refer to the attached PositionDescription.

Applications close : 13 / 07 / 202511 : 45 PM

Attachments :

• Position Description - MAS3 Manager, Modelling and Funding Policy.pdf
• Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

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