This is a permanent full-time position commencing ASAP
Fostering partnerships and driving educational improvement with innovation and assurance
Are you ready to contribute to the future of higher education reform? We’re seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as Manager, Higher Education – a pivotal role that works within national and state reform agendas and provides high-level advice to the Minister for Tertiary and International Education and Director General, Department of Education.
The Enterprise Governance and Partnerships Division drives high performance at a system level by providing senior leaders with visibility and assurance of system performance and improvement initiatives and confidence in the management of key external partnerships. We do this by:
- developing and maintaining effective partnerships to support strategic alignment and positive relationships both within and external to the Department, including with higher and international education stakeholders
- ensuring strategic responses and projects are delivered within expectations underpinned by quality project and program management methodologies
- improving oversight of high-level strategic priorities and projects through increased visibility and quality assurance
- aligning governance standards to the strategic significance and complexity of initiatives
- supporting evidence-based decision making through effective use of intelligence and data.
The Role
As Manager, Higher Education, you will lead and manage a small team to undertake research and planning to provide appropriate advice pertaining to higher education in Western Australia and nationally. You will use your highly developed interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective relationships across all levels of the higher education sector. To do this, you will be a critical thinker, have well developed organisational and time management skills with the ability to meet tight timeframes, have high attention to detail and be able to adjust your writing style to prepare a variety of documents for government and other audiences. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in university governance, legislative frameworks, or public policy – and a passion for shaping systems that support excellence, equity, and innovation.
This is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful reform in one of Australia’s most vital sectors. You’ll work alongside other highly motivated professionals to support the future of tertiary education for generations to come.
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
- Undercover secure parking is available with this role
- 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).
Your future manager Milanna Heberle Executive Director, is more than happy to chat with you about the position on (08) 9264 5772 or via email Milanna.Heberle@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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
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 two (2) pages outlining your qualifications, employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A three (3) page statement providing the impact/outcomes of examples related to the role for the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
- Implements and manages strategy
- Achieves results
- Builds productive relationships
The remaining criteria will be assessed at the interview.
In line with the expectation of personal integrity, please disclose if and how Artificial Intelligence has been used in the writing of the requested documents.
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: DOE1009205
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 Friday, 12 December 2025
