This is a permanent full-time position commencing in October 2026

As part of the implementation of the Department’s new Strategic Plan, Our Plan for Public Education in Western Australia, we are expanding the remit of the former Leadership Institute to strengthen system leadership, coordination and oversight of professional learning programs. This more integrated and contemporary approach to professional learning further enables the Department's commitment to support and develop our people.

The Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate has the responsibility of ensuring the provision of high quality, system endorsed professional programs for our people for their ongoing development. As part of the newly established Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate, the Principal Education Officer will play a key role in the design, development and implementation of a new digital hub that will help schools more easily access professional learning, resources, services and supports aligned to their unique contexts and needs. This significant initiative will support equitable access to information and capability-building opportunities across the public education system.

The Directorate will provide strategic advice to senior leadership on high quality professional learning and coordinate and quality assure the delivery of professional learning, as part of broader system reform.

The Directorate is also responsible for overseeing the development of the Department's new home of professional learning, the Leadership, Learning and Development Institute, which will include the new Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub. This significant State Government initiative will support our workforce to address the increasingly diverse needs of students and help schools to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and wellbeing support

The Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate operates as one team across two locations. This position is based in East Perth, with occasional travel to Leederville and Padbury required for meetings and collaborative work.

The Role

As part of the newly formed Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate, the Principal Education Officer will play a key role in researching, planning, implementing and evaluating a new digital hub that will provide schools with streamlined access to professional learning, services, supports and resources. This significant initiative will support equitable access to information and capability-building opportunities across the public education system. The initial focus of this role will be on the establishment of the Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub.

Working collaboratively with subject matter experts, schools, regions and stakeholders across the Department, the role will research, analyse and evaluate options to inform the development of the hub and help ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to service delivery. The position will also contribute to system-wide initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning, build workforce capability and improve outcomes for students.

We are seeking an innovative and highly collaborative professional with substantial knowledge of professional learning systems and platforms and demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful teaching and learning initiatives, programs, projects or strategies at a school, regional or system level. You will bring highly developed conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement, develop innovative solutions and influence positive change.

With excellent communication, consultation and stakeholder engagement skills, you will build productive relationships across the system and work effectively with school leaders, senior officers and subject matter experts to achieve shared outcomes. Your ability to analyse information, prepare high-quality reports and advice, and translate strategic priorities into meaningful system improvements will support the successful delivery of this important initiative.

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 Eleanor Hughes, Director, Leadership on (08) 9413 3300 or by emailing Eleanor.hughes@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.
• hold a recognised qualification in teaching and be currently registered or eligible for registration to teach in Western Australia.
• 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 two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
  1. Demonstrated substantial knowledge of and experience in professional learning systems and platforms.
  2. Demonstrated highly developed skills and extensive experience in developing and implementing successful teaching and learning initiatives, programs, projects or strategies at the school, region, network and/or system level.
  3. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and influence change related to teaching and learning.
  4. Demonstrated highly developed conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to provide innovative solutions to strategic and complex problems and issues.
  5. Demonstrated highly developed oral and interpersonal skills, including the ability to successfully undertake consultations, collaborations and negotiations with senior officers, school leaders and other stakeholders.
  6. Demonstrated highly developed written communication skills, including experience in preparing reports, briefings and professional learning resources.

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: DOE1061395 

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, 17 August 2026