Manager, Higher Education Strategy

At the NSW Department of Education we educate and inspire lifelong learners from early childhood through schooling to vocational education and training.

• Ongoing full-time employment opportunity
• Based in Parramatta NSW with flexible working
• Salary ranges from $149739 to $173174 plus superannuation and annual leave loading

About the role

The Manager Higher Education Strategy leads a team in the development and implementation of the NSW Higher Education Strategy. You will also lead a range of initiatives related to universities in NSW Universities that support organisational objectives and Government commitments relating to tertiary policy.

In this role you will

• Lead policy analysis research and risk identification
• Provide expert advice to support policy decisions
• Manage teams delivering key policy initiatives
• Lead stakeholder engagement consultation and negotiation
• Oversee preparation of briefs reports and correspondence

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you

• Manage stakeholder consultations and negotiate competing priorities in dynamic environments
• Provide timely accurate policy advice under tight timeframes and uncertainty
• Analyse complex issues quickly to form clear recommendations for decision-making
• Balance diverse stakeholder interests while maintaining policy integrity and outcomes
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the DepartmentsAboriginal Education Policyand upholding theDepartments Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECGand to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements of the role

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive salary sacrificing employers contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role and respond to the following targeted questions.

1Describe a case you had to negotiate with or influence stakeholders who have diverse views to reach an agreed solution.

2. Describe a complex project you led and the most challenging issue in it that you faced. How did you resolve the issue and achieve results

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience insights and alignment with the Departments values and priorities.

Please refer to the Applicants Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking Apply Now.

Note: The selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens permanent residents New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date: Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at 11:59 PM

For role enquiries please contact Mathew Pearson at

We welcome applications of all ages and genders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples culturally and linguistically diverse groups the LGBTQIA community veterans refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team () or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role and who may be considered for a range of similar roles over the next 18 months including temporary term or ongoing roles.