We currently have the following positions available, commencing October, 2026

• 1x - permanent part-time (0.4FTE) position
• 1x - 12 month fixed term, part-time (0.6FTE) position, with possible permanency

Are you an exceptional writer, analyst and strategic thinker looking to make a meaningful impact across Western Australia's public education system?

Sitting within the Statewide Services division, System Services and Responses is seeking a highly capable Principal Consultant to provide strategic advice, support complex projects, and deliver high-quality analysis and communications that support decision-making across Statewide Services.

Statewide Services provides the services and supports required by schools to enable student achievement, with a focus on those students and schools that need it most. It encompasses both school and system-facing service delivery. While it primarily exists to support schools, it also has an important system-facing role supporting strategy and policy development.

Service Design and Support provides the shared functions and support needed to provide better services to schools. It also coordinates, implements and supports programs, initiatives, and special projects. Its purpose is to provide strategy, policy and program oversight and operational support to Statewide Services.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to work on diverse and often high-profile issues affecting schools, students and the wider education system. This is a dynamic and responsive role where no two days are the same.

As Principal Consultant, the successful applicant will provide high-level strategic, analytical and operational support across a diverse portfolio of work. They will coordinate and contribute to system advice, programs and initiatives that support both schools and the broader education system.

This applicant will undertake complex research and analysis, prepare executive and Ministerial communications, coordinate responses to emerging system challenges, and contribute to strategic initiatives that influence education outcomes across Western Australia.

Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across the Department, the successful applicant will help ensure decisions are informed, evidence-based and responsive to the changing needs of schools and communities.

To succeed in this role, exceptional written communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to analyse complex issues, identify practical solutions and communicate advice clearly to a range of audiences are highly desired.

The successful applicant will be responsible for:

• preparing high-quality briefing notes, Ministerial correspondence, reports and executive communications
• coordinating system-wide responses to complex and often time-sensitive matters
• providing strategic advice to senior leaders
• leading and supporting cross-functional projects and initiatives
• researching and analysing emerging issues impacting schools and the education system
• building productive relationships with stakeholders across schools, regions, central services and external agencies.

This role would suit candidates with experience in policy, strategy, project management, public administration, executive services, consulting, research or communications. We are looking for professionals who can think strategically, communicate with influence and confidently navigate complex issues.

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
• Enjoy availability of onsite parking at the Padbury Statewide Services Centre.
• 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 Courtney Glass, A/Manager System Services and Responses on (08) 9402 6192 or by emailing courtney.glass@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 four (4) 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:
  1. Demonstrated substantial knowledge and understanding of public education contexts and operations at a central, regional and school level.
  2. Demonstrated high-level planning and management skills with a proven ability to plan and coordinate initiatives in a complex environment.
  3. Demonstrated highly developed conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills and experience in applying strategic thinking to achieve outcomes and implement effective change management strategies to achieve educational outcomes.
  4. Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and networks, including experience in undertaking high-level consultations, collaborations and negotiations.
  5. Demonstrated highly developed written communication skills, including extensive experience in the preparation of correspondence, reports, Ministerial communication, briefing notes and policy documents.
  6. Demonstrated highly developed organisational skills with a proven ability to deliver outcomes on schedule in a demanding environment and under tight timeframes.

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: DOE1065050

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, 16 October 2026

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