This is a permanent full-time position commencing May 2026
We’re seeking an experienced and dynamic Principal Consultant – a pivotal role in providing strategic and operational support to the Enterprise Governance and Partnerships division.
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
The Principal Consultant provides high-level strategic advice and support to the Executive Director on reforms, priorities, and initiatives of significant impact across the Department. This includes analysing complex issues, undertaking targeted research, and delivering evidence-based policy and strategic management advice to inform decision making. The role also involves building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the Department, other agencies, and external organisations to support collaboration and alignment on key priorities.
In supporting the effective operation of the Enterprise Governance and Partnerships Division, the Principal Consultant plays a key role in coordinating, managing, and quality assuring documentation associated with projects, programs, and divisional initiatives. This includes preparing high-quality briefings, correspondence, reports, speeches, and other documentation, as well as overseeing project planning elements such as budgets and timelines to ensure initiatives are delivered efficiently and meet strategic objectives.
The role also provides leadership and guidance on organisational development, governance, and risk management. Working closely with directorates and senior management, the Principal Consultant ensures emerging issues are identified, analysed, and addressed systematically, while providing advice on policies, procedures, and operational matters to support effective and accountable delivery across the division.
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 Milanna Heberle, Executive Director, Enterprise Governance and Partnerships on 0407025310 or emailing 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 three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
- Demonstrated highly developed organisational skills with a proven ability to deliver outcomes on schedule in a demanding environment and under tight timeframes.
- Demonstrated high level professional knowledge and experience of the strategic requirements of Government systems and processes, and knowledge of Western Australia’s educational system, operations at a central, regional and school level.
- Demonstrated highly developed written communication skills, including extensive experience in the preparation of correspondence, reports, Ministerials and briefing notes.
- Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and networks, including experience in undertaking senior-level consultations, collaborations and negotiations.
- Demonstrated highly developed conceptual, analytical, research and problem solving skills with the ability to identify issues and trends and provide innovative solutions to complex problems and issues.
- Demonstrated substantial skills and experience in managing a range of complex projects and issues.
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: DOE1033839
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, 4 May 2026
