Advertised Vacancy Number DOE1061802

This is a 5 year fixed term, full-time position commencing ASAP

About the Branch
As the Department implements Our Plan for Public Education in Western Australia, a key priority is ensuring every child has access to high-quality teaching, learning and support during the early years of their education.

The Primary, Early Childhood and Education Support Directorate will play a critical role in delivering this vision, leading system-wide strategies, initiatives and supports to strengthen outcomes for primary-aged students and students in education support settings across WA. Forming part of Statewide Services’ Service Delivery division, the Directorate provides system leadership, strategic policy advice and specialised expertise to schools and regions, particularly schools requiring targeted support.

Working closely with schools, regions and system leaders, the Directorate leads the development and delivery of coordinated supports, programs and services that improve student achievement and enhance transitions into compulsory schooling and secondary education.

Through the implementation of the Department’s new strategic plan, the Directorate has a unique opportunity to shape the future of primary, early childhood and education support services and deliver lasting impact for students, schools and communities across Western Australia.

About You
The Director, Primary, Early Childhood and Education Support is a key system leadership position responsible for leading strategies, programs and services that improve outcomes for children and young people across primary, early childhood and education support settings. At a pivotal time for public education, with the implementation of the Department’s Strategic Plan, this role provides a unique opportunity to influence system-level strategy, lead significant reforms and initiatives, and deliver lasting impact across WA’s public education system.

The Director provides strategic leadership to improve outcomes for primary-aged students and students in education support settings, ensuring curriculum delivery is supported through targeted services, specialised expertise and coordinated support to schools and regions. The role leads the delivery of early childhood, Kindergarten to Year 6 and education support expertise, particularly to schools identified as requiring additional support, helping them to develop and implement contextual approaches to quality teaching and learning that improve student achievement.

Working collaboratively with regions and system leaders, the Director oversees the development and implementation of system-level policies, programs and services that strengthen educational outcomes and support successful transitions into compulsory schooling and secondary education. The position provides high-level strategic advice to senior leaders and contributes to informed decision-making on key educational priorities, while ensuring schools have access to the expertise, services and supports needed to support their improvement priorities and achieve high‑quality outcomes for students.

The Ideal Applicant
We are seeking an accomplished and strategic leader with substantial experience leading significant initiatives within a large and complex environment. You will bring demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in leading the development and implementation of educational programs, projects or strategies at a school, regional or system level.

You will possess a strong understanding of the evolving needs of schools, staff and the broader education system, and have a demonstrated ability to identify emerging issues, respond to changing circumstances and lead successful change particularly within primary, early childhood and education support settings. With highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, you build productive partnerships, foster collaboration and provide trusted advice to support informed decision-making.

As an experienced senior leader, you will have a proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, build organisational capability and create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and learning. You will be adept at aligning people, programs and resources to achieve strategic objectives and deliver sustainable outcomes.

Further Job Related Information

Full details of the role, including selection criteria and eligibility and training requirements, are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more in depth information on the role, please contact Martin Clery, Executive Director on 08 9264 4267 or Martin.Clery@education.wa.edu.au.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Building Leadership Impact

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people. For more information, please visit Building Leadership Impact 

The leadership context for this role is Leading Leaders.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please complete the online application form and attach the following:

• A 3 page statement addressing the following selection criteria in the context of the role and business needs of the branch (as outlined in the attached JDF)

Role Specific Requirements:

• Demonstrated substantial skills, knowledge and experience in leading the development and implementation of educational programs, projects or strategies at a regional or system level.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge and understanding of current trends, initiatives and reforms in education, with a focus on support for students in primary, early childhood and/or education support settings.

Expected behaviours

• Lead collectively
• Deliver on high leverage areas
• Build capability

• A CV of up to 5 pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position, with the details of 3 referees who can attest to the claims made in your application.

When addressing the criteria, please ensure you write to the context of the role you are applying for. 

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.

Please note the panel may also conduct psychometric testing as part of this selection process.

Please refer to the attached for further information on how to apply. It is recommended you consider all information contained in the advertisement any other related information before applying for the vacancy.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, or if you do not receive a confirmation email once submitted, please contact the Executive Recruitment Team on 08 9264 8317.

Subsequent Appointments

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Wednesday, 19 August 2026