Manager – Policy Reform in Perth

This is a permanent full-time position commencing ASAP. Help shape major education reform at state and national levels. The Department of Education is seeking an experienced policy leader to help shape the future of public education in Western Australia.

Join Reform and Strategic Services as the Department delivers against its strategic plan and progresses important state and national education reforms.

The Role

As Manager, Policy Reform, you will shape the Department’s response to complex and emerging education priorities and contribute to reform at state and national levels. You will lead the development of system and cross-agency policy, strategies and initiatives, and provide high-quality analysis and strategic advice to senior decision-makers and Ministers. Working at the centre of strategic policy development, you will translate evidence and Government priorities into clear policy positions and practical reform options, including business cases, position papers, reports, Ministerial briefings and Cabinet submissions. You will assess the impacts and value of policy options, build alignment across related reforms, and use strong policy expertise, critical analysis and stakeholder relationships to develop well-considered and achievable outcomes.

Professional Benefits

• We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• 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.

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.

Eligibility

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. You must 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Implements and manages strategy: translates overarching strategy into operational goals and creates a shared sense of purpose within the business unit.
• Engages others in the strategic direction of the work area, encourages their contribution, and communicates expected outcomes.
• Considers the ramifications of a wide range of issues, anticipates priorities and develops long term plans for the work area.
• Understands objective, critical analysis and distils the core issues.

Achieves results

• Evaluates ongoing project and program performance and identifies critical success factors.
• Establishes clear plans and timeframes for project implementation and outlines specific activities.
• Strives to achieve and encourages others to do the same.
• Monitors progress and identifies risks that may impact outcome and adjusts plans as required.
• Builds effective teams that are able to respond flexibly to changing circumstances.
• Allocates resources in appropriate and adaptive ways to deliver high quality results.

Builds productive relationships

• Builds and sustains relationships with a network of key people internally and externally.
• Recognises shared agendas and works toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Brings people together and encourages input from key stakeholders.

Exemplifies personal integrity and self-awareness

• Acts professionally and impartially at all times and operates within the boundaries of organisational processes and legal and public policy constraints.
• Takes personal responsibility for meeting objectives and progressing work and commits energy and drive to see that goals are achieved.
• Persists and focuses on achieving objectives even in difficult circumstances.

Communicates and influences effectively

• Confidently presents information in a clear, concise and articulate manner and translates information for others.
• Approaches negotiations with a strong grasp of key issues, having prepared well in advance.
• Anticipates the position of the other party and adapts approach accordingly.
• Encourages the support of relevant stakeholders.

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: DOE1070559. Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process. Applications close: 4:30 pm (AWST) on Monday, 9 November 2026.