Principal Advisor, Government Strategic Priorities
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
* Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
* Clerk Grade 11/12 - $149,739 to $173,174 plus superannuation and leave loading
Are you an exceptional communicator who can synthesise and quality-assure information from multiple sources into a single source of truth? Do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, high-stakes environment?
If so, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to drive incoming government processes ahead of the 2027 election and oversee the delivery of government commitments and other strategic projects.
This role requires strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify emerging risks and develop practical solutions. On a day-to-day basis, you will need to navigate competing demands while consistently delivering high-quality advice and reporting to support government decision-making at the highest levels.
About the role
As the Principal Advisor, Government Strategic Priorities, you will provide high-level policy and project coordination services, including:
* Leading incoming government processes, including collating portfolio information, collaborating across agencies and writing compelling, quality-assured briefings
* Delivering strategic and reliable advice to ministers and department executives and responding promptly to requests for information
* Coordinating and analysing cross-portfolio reporting on government commitments to ensure transparency and accountability
* Supporting the department's strategic objectives through effective project coordination, policy advice and process improvements
* Growing and sustaining collaborative and productive relationships across the department and government
* Quality assuring content from a range of subject areas.
For further information please click here to view the role description
About you
* Solutions-focused with extensive experience managing complex projects and preparing high-level briefings within government or in large organisations
* Trusted relationship builder, skilled at engaging with senior stakeholders and delivering outcomes on sensitive, high-profile matters
* Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying emerging risks and providing practical advice
* Thrive in fast-paced environments, balancing competing priorities and delivering quality outcomes under pressure
* Resilient and experienced leader committed to integrity, continuous improvement and fostering a strong customer-focused culture
* 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
* Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as education, policy, public management, project or program management, social sciences or communications, and/or equivalent knowledge and experience.
* Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* 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 your 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 answer the following targeted questions below:
* Tell us about a time when you have led the coordination of a large project or collation of a significant volume of information into a single, cohesive response. Outline the key elements of your approach. What were the main challenges and how did you overcome these?
* Tell us about a time when you have had to manage a significant volume of work to a strict deadline. How did you manage time constraints and any competing demands, while still delivering a quality product?
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 Friday 29 May 2026 at 11:59pm.
For role enquiries please contact Claire Todd at
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, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education's Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.
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, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.