Senior Project Director, Vocational Education

Position overview

The Senior Project Director is ACER’s most senior project management position responsible for managing the efficient and effective operation of a number of significant programs to deliver successful quality outcomes on time, on budget and within agreed scope in accordance with established project management methodology. The Senior Project Director is also expected to make contributions to the broader project management knowledge and practice of the team.

The Senior Project Director, Vocational Education will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ACER’s VET projects and our engagement within the VET sector. Their contributions will directly influence our business strategy and development.

The Senior Project Director, Vocational Education will lead a small team to deliver the Core Skills Profile for Adults to TAFEs and RTOs. They will also be expected to leverage their existing VET network to identify opportunities to expand upon and build a larger user base. The SPD Vocational Education is a passionate vocational educator who will deliver engaging professional development for trainers and lead the development of assessments and training materials in foundational skills.

The position may require occasional after hours/weekend work and Interstate travel on occasions.

Position context

The Tertiary and Industry Tools division develops and delivers high quality and evidence-based assessments and education services with a focus on tertiary admissions examinations and vocational and professional education.

Job responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all aspects of project planning, development and implementation across a number of significant projects / programs including developing project plans, establishing governance and service delivery protocols and supporting project-related activities to ensure project outcomes are achieved on time, on budget and to quality standards.
• Effectively build their existing VET network to expand ACER’s profile and recognition within the sector. Business engagement and development activities will include delivering high-quality training and promotional activities including conference participation. 
• Monitor and evaluate all aspects of project implementation, including risk and contingency management and quality measures, identify and address issues, assess project progress and effectiveness, and achieve project outcomes.
• Manage all day-to-day operations including maintaining project documentation, engaging stakeholders and responding to complex enquiries.
• Collaborate with IT staff to request changes to improve functionality of online registration databases and the assessment delivery platform.
• Co-ordinate staff as appropriate ensuring compliance with governance and service quality requirements, to successfully deliver all key milestones and outcomes.
• Manage project/program budgets and meet reporting requirements including the preparation and monitoring of financial reports.
• Ensure project / program is effectively marketed to promote product or services.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships through effective communication, negotiation and issues management to ensure project deliverables are achieved. 
• Undertake market research and formulate recommendations to support evidence-based project planning and decision-making.
• Identify, initiate and promote business development opportunities for the Division and where appropriate, joint venture relationships with complementary service providers.
• Contribute to the strategic direction and overall management of the vocational work within the Division.
• Work on other projects / programs commensurate with jobsize as required.

Organisational accountabilities

• Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours

• Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
• Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others
• Comply with all information security requirements, including completing regular security training and abiding by the standards and procedures laid out in ACER’s Information Security Management System
• Work in accordance with ACER’s policies and procedures

Education

• Bachelor Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working in Vocational Education and Training
• Demonstrated passion for adult education in particular developing literacy and/or numeracy skills.
• Excellent presentation and workshop facilitation skills to deliver high quality professional development to trainers
• High level understanding of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), Digital Literacy Skills Framework (DLSF) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) standards.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to build productive relationships with a diverse range of people such as trainers, vendors, technology specialists, business stakeholders and senior executives
• Experience managing all aspects of a large and/or complex project/program from inception to completion delivering on time and within budget, with high standards of quality
• Evidence of excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills, and ability to coordinate required stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver outcomes
• Demonstrated high-level negotiation and influencing skills
• High-level proficiency using MS Office, MS Teams, SharePoint and LMSs and experience using and directing refinements to applications and databases
• Experience contributing to marketing and promotional sales activities.

Desirable

• Strong business acumen and business development skills
• A wide network and professional collegiality within the VET sector
• Experience in delivering exams and managing online testing, remote proctoring or marking operations be highly regarded
• Experience developing training materials in Moodle
• Formal training in project management (e.g. PRINCE2)