This is a permanent full-time position commencing in October 2026

As part of the implementation of the Department’s new Strategic Plan, Our Plan for Public Education in Western Australia, we are expanding the remit of the former Leadership Institute to strengthen system leadership, coordination and oversight of professional learning programs. This more integrated and contemporary approach to professional learning further enables the Department's commitment to support and develop our people.

The Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate has the responsibility of ensuring the provision of high quality, system endorsed professional programs for our people for their ongoing development. The Directorate will provide strategic advice to senior leadership on high quality professional learning and coordinate and quality assure the delivery of professional learning, as part of broader system reform.

The Directorate is also responsible for overseeing the development of the Department's new home of professional learning, the Leadership, Learning and Development Institute, which will include the new Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub. This significant State Government initiative will support our workforce to address the increasingly diverse needs of students and help schools to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and wellbeing support.

The Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate operates as one team across two locations. This position is based in East Perth, with occasional travel to Leederville and Padbury required for meetings and collaborative work.

The Role

The Manager, Professional Learning and Development plays a key role in Department's commitment to broaden the role of the Leadership Institute and deliver a more coordinated, contemporary and system-wide approach to professional learning. Leading a team of professionals, the position will drive the development, delivery and continuous improvement of professional learning, training and support that builds workforce capability across Western Australia's public education system. The role will play a key part in establishing the systems, frameworks and governance arrangements that support a high-quality, coordinated and accessible professional learning system across the Department, with an initial focus on strengthening support for students with disability through the establishment of the Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub.

The role will contribute to the development and oversight of a centralised learning management system and digital solutions that enhance access to professional learning, resources and support for schools. It will lead the implementation of system-wide professional learning standards, governance and quality assurance processes, while ensuring schools and regions have equitable access to high-quality, evidence-informed professional learning opportunities.

Providing strategic advice to senior leaders, the Manager will oversee systems that monitor and evaluate the impact of professional learning, maintain strategic oversight of professional learning resources and materials, and ensure alignment with the Department's strategic directions, emerging educational priorities and contemporary best practice.

We are seeking a collaborative and strategically minded leader with demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, driving organisational improvement and translating strategy into practical outcomes. You will bring highly developed communication, consultation and stakeholder engagement skills, together with the ability to build productive relationships, influence outcomes and provide expert advice in a complex environment. Experience leading large-scale initiatives, managing competing priorities and delivering results through others will be highly regarded.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments) 
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more?

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

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Eleanor Hughes, Director, Leadership on (08) 9413 3300 or by emailing eleanor.hughes@education.wa.edu.au

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at centralservices.recruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period. 

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces 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.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:

1. Role specific

• Demonstrated skills and experience in leading and developing teams, including guiding and mentoring staff in professional learning and common design standards and quality assurance processes.
• Demonstrated highly developed oral communication and interpersonal skills, including a proven ability to successfully undertake high-level consultations, collaborations and negotiations with senior officers, school leaders and other stakeholders.

1. Implements and manages strategy

• Translates strategy into operational goals and creates a shared sense of purpose within the business unit.
• Engages others in the strategic direction of the work area, encourages their contributions and communicates expected outcomes.
• Considers the ramifications of a wide range of issues, anticipates priorities and develops long term plans for the work area.
• Understands objective, critical analysis and distils the core issues.

1. Achieves results

• Evaluates performance and identifies critical success factors.
• Establishes clear plans and timeframes for task implementation and outlines specific activities.
• Strives to achieve and encourages others to do the same.
• Monitors progress and identifies risks that may affect outcomes and adjusts plans as required.

1. Builds productive relationships

• Builds and sustain relationships with a network of key people internally and externally.
• Recognises shared agendas and works towards mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Brings people together and encourages input from key stakeholders.

1. Exemplifies personal integrity and self-awareness

• Acts professionally and impartially at all times and operates within the boundaries of organisational processes and legal and public policy constraints.
• Take personal responsibility for meeting objectives and progressing work; and commits energy and drive to see that goals are achieved.
• Persist and focuses on achieving objectives even in difficult circumstances.

1. Communicates and influences effectively

• Confidently presents information in a clear, concise and articulate manner and translates information for others.
• Approaches negotiations with a strong grasp of key issues, having prepared well in advance.
• Anticipates the position of the other party and adapts approach accordingly.
• Encourages the support of relevant stakeholders.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

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

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1061420 

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday 17 August 2026