This is a 6 month fixed term, full-time position commencing March 2026 or ASAP, with possible extension
The Secondary Schools, District High Schools and Post-School Pathways Directorate provide targeted, coordinated support to secondary schools and regions to improve student achievement and outcomes. It delivers expert advice and practical assistance to schools identified as requiring additional support, with a focus on strengthening teaching quality, leadership capability and student engagement across Years 7–12.
Working closely with regions and system partners, the Directorate contributes to both school-facing service delivery and system-facing priorities, including strategy and policy development. Its work supports effective post-school pathways, ensuring students are well prepared for further education, training and employment.
The Role
The role leads and oversees the delivery of coordinated secondary education expertise to schools and regions identified as requiring support. It is responsible for planning, managing and monitoring targeted services that strengthen whole-school approaches, improve the quality of teaching, and lift student achievement, while ensuring alignment with system priorities and the specific contexts of schools and their communities.
The position provides high-level subject matter expertise to inform system-wide professional learning, policy and strategy development. It works in direct partnership with school leaders, teachers, regions and networks, and liaises with State and Commonwealth agencies and other stakeholders to negotiate programs, funding arrangements and teaching and learning support initiatives.
The role requires the application of advanced analytical and high‑level written communication skills, with strong attention to detail, to oversee complex and sensitive departmental and ministerial communications and ensure they meet strict timelines.
The role also leads the effective operation of the branch, including staff performance and wellbeing, culturally responsive engagement with stakeholders, and sound management of resources, budgets and administrative functions in line with legislative requirements, departmental policies and public sector standards.
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in Padbury 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).
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 Jamie Hayres, Service Director, SD Secondary Schools, District High Schools and Post-School Pathways on 9402 6384 or emailing james.hayres@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.
- 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 five (5) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
- 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 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
- 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 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.
- 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
- Takes personal responsibility for meeting objectives and progressing work and commits energy and drive to see that goals are achieved.
- Persists and focuses on achieving objectives even in difficult circumstances.
- 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: DOE1025563
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 20 February 2026
