Senior Policy Officer Targeted

Senior Policy Officer - Targeted

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
• Flexible working arrangements with minimum 2-3 days mandatory office presence for business requirements in Parramatta or any other Department of Education Office
• Salary ranges from $129464 to $142665 p.a. plus superannuation and annual leave loading

About the role

Located within the Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) division this role helps drive strategic policy and deliver innovative solutions that improve educational outcomes for children across NSW. You will support initiatives that ensure all children access high-quality early education and care including 600 hours in the two years before school.

The Senior Policy Officer leads and coordinates the development and delivery of complex policies and projects that advance key initiatives and reforms to improve early childhood education outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse families.

For further information please click here to view the role description.

About you

You are a strategic thinker with strong policy development and project management skills capable of translating complex information into practical evidence-based solutions. You thrive in collaborative environments and can build productive relationships with stakeholders across government the community and the early childhood education sector.

• Ideally this role would be filled by anAboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person but we are accepting all applicants

• Strong time management and organisational skills ensuring priorities are addressed and actioned promptly
• Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality briefs reports and correspondence that clearly communicate complex information and support informed decision-making by senior executives and government stakeholders.

• Skilled in analysing interpreting and synthesising complex policy documents and data to produce evidence-based insights identify emerging issues and develop clear recommendations and reports.

• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Departments Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Departments Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements of the role

• Current and valid Working with Children Check Clearance for paid employment.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and/or experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Whilst this position is open to all individuals it is targeted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applications from people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged to apply and those who meet the selection criteria will be prioritised and shortlisted for interview Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants mustdemonstrateAboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent in addition to addressing the Focus Capabilities.

Conditions

This position is targeted for recruitment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and is authorised by the Departments Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan in accordance with Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). In the event there are no suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants all other applications will be considered. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to indicate their identity in their application and should be willing to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent either during the application process or prior to appointment if successful. More information can be found in the policy library underConfirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.

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 your career growth

Information Session

OnTuesday 10th February at 11:30am the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Advisory team will host anonline Yarn Up(information session) about this role. The session will provide a detailed overview of the recruitment process including applying for the position and interview to build confidence in your application.

To register your interest please fill out theregistration formand we will be in touch with further details and the meeting link. Alternatively you may email the team atwith subject line Yarn Up noting the job reference number.

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role as well as your response to the pre-screening question below:

Please describe any experience you have working with Aboriginal people and communities or working on Aboriginal issues. How do you engage with Aboriginal colleagues and/or stakeholders and contribute to cultural safety in the workplace and in policy or project work (300 word limit)

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.

This is a child-related role. 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 15th Feburary 2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Rowan Savage details at and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Kirsty Anic at

We welcome applications from 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 including temporary term or ongoing roles over the next 18 months.