This is a permanent full-time position commencing April 2025
The Department of Education’s strategic directions outline the commitment for every child, from Kindergarten to Year 12 to have access to high quality education underpinned by excellence in teaching and quality leadership. This is an education that meets the needs of the learner, preparing them for future success.
The Strategic Policy Unit operates as part of the Strategy and Policy Division and is responsible for developing strategies and policies to improve outcomes for students in WA public schools. The Unit provides advice to senior leaders on Department and system-wide issues to support the delivery of strategic priorities and ministerial directions. The Unit applies a structured and intentional approach to address complex policy issues, underpinned by evidence, insight, and engagement. The Unit works collaboratively with key stakeholders to facilitate a strong evidence base for strategic policy decisions.
The Role
As Manager – Strategic Policy, you will provide expert leadership and strategic advice on the Department’s contribution to whole of government reform at both the state and federal levels, from disability reform to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The role will involve developing system-wide strategies and approaches that address complex policy challenges and improve outcomes for students.
You will prepare high-level policy advice for executive decision-makers by undertaking high-quality analysis and working collaboratively with stakeholders across the Department and other government agencies. You will lead a high-performing team, while ensuring cultural responsiveness and continuous improvement. Your expertise and experience will help to shape the future of the WA public education system.
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
- 11.5% employer contributed superannuation, increasing to 12% by July 2025.
- 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 Tom Antoniazzi, Chief Policy Officer Strategic Policy on (08) 9264 0164 or emailing tom.antoniazzi@education.wa.edu.au
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 National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit.
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:
Implements and manages strategy
- translates overarching 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 contribution, 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.
Achieves results
- evaluates ongoing project and program performance and identifies critical success factors
- understands and embraces culturally responsive ways of working to achieve results
- establishes clear plans and timeframes for project implementation and outlines specific activities
- strives to achieve and encourages others to do the same
- monitors progress and identifies risks that may impact outcome and adjusts plans as required
- builds effective teams that are able to respond flexibly to changing circumstances • allocates resources in appropriate and adaptive ways to deliver high quality results.
Builds productive relationships
- builds and sustains relationships with a network of key people internally and externally
- recognises shared agendas and works toward mutually beneficial outcomes
- brings people together and encourages input from key 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: DOE960127
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, 14 April 2025
