Principal Policy Officer

PRINCIPAL POLICY OFFICER (Clerk Grade 11/12)

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

• Permanent ongoing appointment
• Location: Parramatta with flexible work adjustment and arrangements available
• Salary clerk grade 11/12: $149,739 to $173,174 base plus superannuation

About the Inclusion & Wellbeing Directorate

The Inclusion and Wellbeing Directorate drives continuous improvement of policies and programs that maximise access, inclusion and wellbeing of students in education from pre-school to year 12. The Directorate leads coordination of state-wide strategy and policy to lift student participation, health and wellbeing, and outcomes for students with disability. 

About the role

The Principal Policy Officer plays a key leadership role in shaping, implementing and evaluating policies, frameworks and initiatives that assist NSW public schools in providing effective wellbeing and mental health supports for all students. The position provides expert guidance to executives and stakeholders on understanding key issues for supporting the wellbeing and mental health needs of children and young people. Key responsibilities:

• Lead the performance of the Policy team in the assessment of new or updated programs, systems, and methodologies to support the development of policy initiatives and reforms in line with the Department’s commitment to continuous improvement
• Provide expert strategic advice to the Director and senior management on policy initiatives and reforms to support direction and inform decision making.
• Drive the development and implementation of evaluation processes and practices for policy initiatives and reforms, identifying risks and issues and providing mitigation strategies to ensure the achievement of outcome objectives
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders to address identified policy issues
• Oversee the preparation of reports, briefs and correspondence to inform or respond to Departmental or other Government Agency requests.

For further information please click here to view the role description

Key knowledge and experience

• Expert knowledge of current issues in mental health and wellbeing of young people

• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to team culture
• Substantial experience in the development, delivery and implementation of policy initiatives and reforms in government or corporate enterprise.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements of the role

• Tertiary level qualifications and relevant experience in an education environment in the fields of social work, mental health, youth work, community development or related discipline with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development. 
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education
• Hold a current and valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) (for paid employment

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home options
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive salary, salary sacrificing options, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role as well addressing the pre-screening questions below:

1.            Detail how you have applied your tertiary qualification in an educational setting.

2.            Describe your experience in providing strategic advice on complex or contentious issues.

Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

Please be advised that it is a requirement that all candidates submit their applications online through iWorkforNSW. No paper based, email based, or late applications will be accepted.

Note:

• The selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

• This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

• Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa. 

Closing date  Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 11:59pm

For role enquiries please contact Kylie Lee at Kylie.lee16@det.nsw.edu.au  

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team (youbelong@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.