Morven Smith
Campbells Creek
Summary
With a strong background in people and stakeholder management, written and verbal communication, policy development and analysis, as well as project and program management, I have developed a diverse set of transferable skills during my years in public service. Now, I am eager to embrace a fresh challenge or opportunity that will not only allow me to further cultivate these skills but also develop new ones. My passion lies in unraveling complex problems by leveraging multifaceted skill sets, both my own and those of my team members. Under pressure, I take pride in my ability to lead and manage individuals, bringing out the best in them and encouraging their skill expansion.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, VDSS Funding
Department of Education (Vic)
12.2022 - Current
- Provide thought leadership, advice and guidance to principal policy advisors, senior policy officers and policy officers to frame reforms to VDSS Funding including the role of different providers, systems settings, quality of VDSS providers, and the delivery of annual VDSS funding to schools
- Drafting budget bids to support equitable and consistent delivery of VDSS across the state
- Establish, maintain and manage relationships with key stakeholders across the Regional Pathways Workforce; TAFE institutes; other government departments; and the broader Department of Education, providing a key contact point and serving as subject matter expert on VDSS funding and VET more broadly
- Oversee the allocation of VDSS funding to schools including accountability for verifying and reconciling to ensure the correct funding is provided on an annual basis within budget and according to policy settings
- Streamline communication processes to foster transparency among departments.
- Manage and motivate employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maintain professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhance customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Facilitate team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Lead a cross-functional team to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Leverage data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
Relationship Manager
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Wrote the Government Response to the Legislative Assembly’s Economic and Infrastructure Committee’s Inquiry into Access to TAFE for learners with disability
- Established, maintained and managed relationships with regional TAFE institutes, providing a key contact point and serving as subject matter expert for colleagues across government
- Analyse trends to identify emerging issues and drew intersections across the TAFE network and broader work program making linkages to enable network approaches to meet government objectives, industry and community need
- Advised on and developed products pertaining to regional TAFEs and key policy areas and program delivery/implementation
- Collaborated with clients to troubleshoot concerns, resulting in faster resolution and increased trust.
- Facilitated open dialogue for improved client trust through regular updates and transparent communication.
- Cultivated strong client relationships by providing personalized support and tailored solutions.
- Implemented effective communication strategies to maintain ongoing dialogue with clients, fostering long-term partnerships.
Manager, TAFE Strategy and Programs
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
01.2016 - 11.2021
- Led the establishment of the Transformation approach to then Federation training which set it on the path to viability as an embedded and locally valued TAFE in Gippsland
- Supported TAFEs to meet their obligations under government priorities including LGBTIQ+ inclusion; gender equity and equality; VET offshore activities; and strategic planning cycle
- Managed the delivery and monitoring of approximately $300 million of annual funding to support TAFEs across a number of programs
- Provided leadership to the Mandatory Work Placements project team working with TAFEs and industry to secure placements for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Senior Project Manager, Family Violence and Gender Equity
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
07.2020 - 01.2021
- Brokered solutions to cross-sectoral and cross-departmental issues using careful management of sensitive and high-risk stakeholders
- Provided leadership and guidance to a team of project managers - especially around problem solving with sensitive stakeholders and the use of influencing skills to gain buy-in
- Took on leadership of the broader Managed Market Policy team whilst acting manager was on leave - this included performing a pivotal role in the development of skill sets policy and the response to the Commonwealth's JobTrainer Initiative
Manager, ACFE Board Secretariat (Acting)
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
10.2015 - 12.2015
- Led the on-boarding of the new Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Chair including supporting her on a round of visits to Learn Local Organisations (LLOs) across Victoria and peak bodies across the community sector
- Developed the inaugural Statement of Expectations for the ACFE Board bringing the Board in line with the process undertaken for TAFEs
Executive Coordinator, Deputy Secretary
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
01.2015 - 09.2015
- Led the strategic and business planning processes for the Higher Education and Skills Group
- Led and managed the Deputy Secretary’s Office through three different Deputy Secretaries over the course of nine months
- Strengthened relationships and processes between the group and the Minister’s Office
- Supported new executive team through dramatic changes to the Victorian training system and sectors
Manager, Ministerial and Executive Services
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Vic)
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Key role in development of an electronic Briefings and Correspondence system and a better brief writing culture across the Department
- Instituted rotation through roles across four teams under my management to broaden skill sets of team members and create a flexible working environment
- Led the creation of the Weekly Ministers’ Report
Policy Adviser, Acute Programs
Department of Health (Vic)
04.2011 - 02.2012
- Policy lead for inter-hospital transfers, which involved reviewing the current system and developing solutions to identified gaps
- Policy lead for effective discharge including development of a policy document designed to coordinate effective discharge practices across the acute sector
Assistant Private Secretary, Minister of State for Public Health
Department of Health (UK)
02.2009 - 08.2009
Assistant to the Special Advisers, Secretary of State for Health
Department of Health (UK)
08.2008 - 01.2009
Ministerial Drafter, Minister of State for Public Health
Department of Health (UK)
04.2006 - 07.2008
Classroom Teacher & Year 9 Coordinator
Bentleigh Secondary College
01.2003 - 01.2005
Education
Masters of Science - Public Policy and Health Inequalities
University of Edinburgh
07.2010
Graduate Diploma of Education - Secondary
RMIT
11.2002
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - English Lit.
Monash University
11.2001
Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Influence & Negotiation Leadership
- People Management
- Problem Solving
- Verbal Communication
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Conceptual & Analytical Skills
- Written Communication
- Policy Skills
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Time management
Timeline
Manager, VDSS Funding
Department of Education (Vic)
12.2022 - Current
Relationship Manager
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
11.2021 - 12.2022
Senior Project Manager, Family Violence and Gender Equity
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
07.2020 - 01.2021
Manager, TAFE Strategy and Programs
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
01.2016 - 11.2021
Manager, ACFE Board Secretariat (Acting)
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
10.2015 - 12.2015
Executive Coordinator, Deputy Secretary
Department of Education and Training (Vic)
01.2015 - 09.2015
Manager, Ministerial and Executive Services
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Vic)
01.2013 - 12.2014
Policy Adviser, Acute Programs
Department of Health (Vic)
04.2011 - 02.2012
Assistant Private Secretary, Minister of State for Public Health
Department of Health (UK)
02.2009 - 08.2009
Assistant to the Special Advisers, Secretary of State for Health
Department of Health (UK)
08.2008 - 01.2009
Ministerial Drafter, Minister of State for Public Health
Department of Health (UK)
04.2006 - 07.2008
Classroom Teacher & Year 9 Coordinator
Bentleigh Secondary College
01.2003 - 01.2005
Graduate Diploma of Education - Secondary
RMIT
Masters of Science - Public Policy and Health Inequalities
University of Edinburgh
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - English Lit.
Monash University
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