At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and oversee projects for early childhood education in NSW.
- Company: NSW Department of Education, the largest public education provider in Australia.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and a commitment to child safety.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Strong background in public policy and regulatory reform with leadership experience.
The NSW Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.
We work to ensure children are safe, respected and supported to thrive in early childhood education and care across NSW. Through strong regulation and evidence-informed reform, we help ensure children experience high-quality early learning that supports their development, wellbeing and lifelong learning. We respect and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.
About the role:
The Director, Policy and Reform leads and develops tactical plans and initiatives to drive the development of policy, as well as overseeing the delivery of specialist projects for the early childhood education sector. The role leads the design and performance oversight of leading practice, evidence-based policy settings, systems and frameworks to drive improved service quality and compliance with regulatory obligations and the provision of safe, high-quality early childhood education for children and families in NSW.
About you:
You are an outcomes-focused leader with strong expertise in leading complex public policy and regulatory reform initiatives. You bring deep experience in working across government and with diverse stakeholders to influence policy outcomes and sensitive reform agendas, shaping national conversations while ensuring NSW continues to set a strong benchmark for child safety and regulatory integrity. Your ability to foster a culture of high performance and collaboration will be crucial to your success to strengthen reach and impact. Above all, you are genuinely motivated by what the Commission exists to do: keep children safe and drive quality in early childhood education and care across NSW.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Strong understanding of national policy frameworks, regulatory systems and public policy processes.
- Demonstrated senior experience leading complex public policy or regulatory reform initiatives, including ability to provide authoritative advice and influence policy outcomes in government or interjurisdictional environments.
- Understanding of and commitment to respecting and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, and supporting culturally safe practices in the delivery of regulatory services.
- Hold a valid clearance to work with children (Working with Children Check).
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment.
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.
Applications Close: 11:59pm on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
Director, Policy and Reform in Sydney employer: Department of Education
The Department of Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement. As an Investigator in the Conduct and Integrity Division, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the education sector while benefiting from professional development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Located in Victoria, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to a high-performing team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of conduct and service delivery.
