Manager Strategy and Policy

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

• Ongoing Full-Time employment opportunity


• Located in Parramatta with flexible work options; 50% office attendance required.


• Salary ranges from $149,739 to $173,174 p.a. plus superannuation and annual leave loading

About the role

The Manager, Strategy and Policy leads the development of integrated, evidence-based policy reform aligned to the Department’s strategic priorities, including Our Plan for NSW Public Education, the NSW Skills Plan, and teacher workload reduction. The role delivers strategic advice, analysis, and insights to senior executives, promotes continuous improvement, and drives policy outcomes through rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and consultation at national and international levels.

Key accountabilities

• Lead policy implementation for Our Plan for NSW Public Education, the NSW Skills Plan, and teacher workload reduction.


• Provide strategic, evidence-based insights to inform decisions and drive outcomes.


• Manage a team to develop and deliver a portfolio of policy initiatives that support organisational objectives and government priorities.


• Identify opportunities for new approaches to education to improve results.


• Produce clear, evidence-based reports and briefings for senior leaders, Ministers, and government stakeholders.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you

• Develop and implement enterprise-level strategic reforms through evidence-based policy.


• Influence organisational outcomes and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders.


• Navigate whole-of-government policy, strategic planning cycles, and accountability frameworks.


• Provide strategic advice, make high-level decisions, and deliver high-quality reports and briefings independently.


• 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

• Current and valid Working with Children Check Clearance for paid employment.


• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience in a related discipline.


• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements


• 35 hour working week


• Competitive, salary sacrificing, 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 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 and respond to the following targeted questions. 

1. How have you led the development and implementation of an evidence-based policy or reform initiative that influenced system-level outcomes, and what impact did it achieve?


2. Describe a time you provided strategic policy advice to senior executives or government that required balancing evidence, stakeholder interests, and delivery constraints, how did you shape the advice and gain alignment?

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department’s values and priorities.

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’.

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.

As a condition of employment, successful candidates not currently employed by the Department must provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance number. Renewal is not required after the WWCC expires, as long as you remain in a non–child-related role. Employer obligations only apply while the WWCC is valid.

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 Thursday, 5th March 2026 at 11:59 pm

For role enquiries please contact Jackie Bosnich at [email protected]

We welcome applications of 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 ([email protected]) 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 over the next 18 months, including temporary term or ongoing roles.