Deputy Sec, School Infrastructure

Deputy Secretary, School Infrastructure

• Join a leadership group transforming education in NSW, and make a difference to students in NSW
• A value driven organisation that supports flexible working and offers work life balance 
• Ongoing Public Service Senior Executive Band 3 role with a remuneration range of $451,107 - $499,312 per annum 
• Based in Sydney with flexible work options 

About us

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

We ensure young children get the best start in life by supporting and regulating the early childhood education and care sector. We unlock excellence and unleash the potential of two-thirds of school children in NSW. We’re proudly public and the largest education system in Australia. We nurture opportunities for every learner to develop the skills needed for their chosen career path, helping shape the industries of tomorrow.

We respect and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as First Peoples of Australia.

The School Infrastructure division of the NSW Department for Education is dedicated to planning, delivering, and maintaining public school facilities in collaboration with various government agencies, local councils, and private sector partners.

About the role

Reporting to the Secretary of the Department of Education, the Deputy Secretary holds ultimate responsibility for the division's performance, ensuring that it meets its objectives under the NSW Plan for Education and delivery of governmental election commitments.

The role is entrusted with the leadership and strategic direction of the division, overseeing its mission to plan, deliver, and maintain public school facilities across New South Wales.

The Deputy Secretary, School Infrastructure leads a team of professionals, providing guidance, mentorship and support to ensure the division's workforce is equipped to deliver on its mandate. The role demands exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, coupled with a deep understanding of infrastructure, government processes, and community needs. The role also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning environments for all students and communities across the state.

For more details about this role, please click here to view the Role Description.

About you

To be the Deputy Secretary, you will need to demonstrate the right skills and experience to be at the forefront of one of education’s most challenging and complex industrial undertakings. As a member of the senior leadership group, you will be a collaborative leader, exemplifying the department’s values and behaviours, and promote a culture of innovation and agility. You will be able to effectively manage complex legislative and ethical frameworks to achieve capability outcomes. You will demonstrate the capability to provide timely and accurate advice to senior leaders and Government on complex matters, have outstanding judgement, strategic awareness, and parliamentary and media acumen.

Given the significant scope and responsibility of the role, the successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of infrastructure development, including construction, capital projects, and maintenance. Strong project management skills are vital for overseeing projects within budget and schedule, coordinating teams, and ensuring quality control. The role is subject to political, media and public scrutiny and you will need to be a polished, fluent and effective communicator.

Other desirable leadership attributes include strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills; capabilities in leading and successfully driving teams; ability to articulate complex issues and influence the agenda; and the ability to deliver capital works infrastructure in accordance with time, budget and quality standards consistent with Government policy.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• 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. 
• Appropriate qualifications in a relevant discipline, with extensive knowledge and experience in asset management and infrastructure delivery. 
• Extensive experience in government relations is essential to navigate regulations and policy.
• Strategic planning aligned with government priorities, financial acumen, and excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education. 

Interested?

To apply for this role, please submit an online application and attach your resume along with a cover letter which describes how your capabilities, knowledge and experience make you the best person for this role. 

Applications Close: 11:59pm on Sunday, 13 April 2025

Contact: For enquiries about the recruitment of this role, please contact Kaz Scott, Chief of Staff by email on kaz.scott@det.nsw.edu.au  

Please note:

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 (dandi@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months. Candidates on a talent pool may be chosen and directly offered employment in other or similar roles (ongoing or term) in the near future.