Join us to make a difference for all students in NSW!
Position details
- Principal Education Officer
- Ongoing, full time role
- Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing team within NESA’s Teacher Policy and Professional Conduct Directorate.
In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee and coordinate the development and implementation of teacher quality policy and projects across the School and Teaching Standards Division. It’s a unique opportunity to influence the future of teacher accreditation in NSW, lead a high-performing team, and work across complex policy areas that make a difference.
On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:
- Leading the development of innovative teacher accreditation policy solutions, including Board papers, executive briefs and policy documents.
- Driving the annual project management work plan for the School and Teaching Standards Division.
- Identifying and addressing policy gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- Providing expert advice to internal and external stakeholders on complex policy matters.
- Building and managing strong cross-sector relationships with school systems, early childhood providers, and unions.
- Contributing to legislative reform and the continuous improvement of teacher accreditation processes.
- Supporting the Director to align policy initiatives with NESA’s broader strategic goals.
- Preparing high-quality briefings, speeches and correspondence for senior executives and the Minister.
Our ideal candidate will have:
An expert-level of understanding and knowledge of teacher accreditation is essential for this role with expertise in both current and emerging issues affecting the accreditation of teachers across early childhood and K–12 education.
You will be confident navigating complex and sensitive policy issues, delivering clear, practical advice under pressure, and influencing high-level decisions with credibility.
You’ll also bring:
- Demonstrated experience leading projects
- A strong track record in building partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders to align outcomes
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across organisations
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience
Download the role description.
About us
At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) we work with the NSW community to drive improvements in student achievement.
We achieve this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).
To find out more about the important work we do for NSW visit our website.
Ready to join us?
Select apply and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application:
- Please provide an example of how you translated complex or technical information into clear, accessible content for a diverse audience. What was the context and how did you ensure your message was understood?
- Describe a time you successfully brought together a range of internal and external stakeholders to develop a policy or solution. How did you foster collaboration and overcome differing viewpoints or priorities?
Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles
If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to the contact person above.
Close date: 29 July 2025 at 11.59pm AEST
Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.
Important information
We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and refugees.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.
A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles.
