Senior Project and Policy Officer, VET Operations

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

• Temporary Full-Time employment upto 3 years 


• Based in Parramatta with flexible work arrangements


• Salary ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 pa. plus superannuation and annual leave loading

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Project and Policy Officer to support the delivery of key statewide Vocational Education and Training for Secondary Students (VETSS) initiatives, including the Vocational High Schools Program and VET Operating Framework. This role is responsible for coordinating complex projects, providing policy and operational support, and delivering high-quality analysis and advice to support strategic outcomes across the education sector.

Key accountabilities

• Coordinate and support the delivery of statewide VETSS projects, programs and policy initiatives.


• Provide high-quality analysis, advice and reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.


• Build and maintain effective relationships with schools, stakeholders, training providers and government partners.


• Monitor project deliverables, risks and timelines to ensure successful program outcomes.


• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of operational frameworks and processes.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you

• Experience with managing complex projects and delivering policy or program outcomes in a fast-paced environment.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to provide clear advice.


• Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.


• Understanding of school operations and/or vocational education and training programs is highly regarded.


• 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.


• 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. 

Describe how you have supported schools through a change process. What was your role? What was the outcome? (Maximum 300 words).

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.

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: Monday 29th June 2026 at 11:59 PM

For role enquiries please contact Steve Montgomery, Manager VET Operations 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.