* An appropriate tertiary qualification including post-graduate qualifications in an appropriate discipline desirable or relevant experience
Department for Education
Job reference: 838623
Location: 5007 - HINDMARSH
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
Join the Curriculum and Learning division, within the Department for Education as Assistant Director, Curriculum Development. In this key role, you will lead the finalisation and publication of the South Australian Curriculum, a landmark state-wide initiative connecting frameworks from early years through to SACE.
If you are confident and engaging leader, with the ability to inspire new thinking we want to hear from you.
Why Work With Us
At the Department for Education in South Australia, we believe every child and young person deserves the foundation to thrive, and that starts with brilliant people like you.
With over 30,000 dedicated professionals across the state, we lead the way in education through innovation, inclusivity and a shared sense of purpose.
Whether you're teaching in classrooms or supporting behind the scenes, you'll be valued, challenged and fulfilled — all while shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
About The Role
The Assistant Director, Curriculum Development is responsible for supporting the Director, Curriculum in leading the finalisation and publication of the South Australian Curriculum, connecting curriculum frameworks from early years through to SACE. This high-profile position serves as the department's key curriculum authority and expert, leading the delivery of high-quality curriculum services and products across a suite of learning areas.
As the expert contact for matters relating to curriculum development, this position requires exceptional technical expertise combined with sophisticated stakeholder engagement capabilities. The incumbent will work directly with school leaders, government officials, educators' associations, universities, and academics to manage consultation processes, evaluate curriculum prototypes, and ensure the successful delivery of this critical state-wide initiative.
Beyond the South Australian curriculum, this role provides strategic leadership for major curriculum programs including Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum, safe schools initiatives, consent and respectful relationships education, and cross-curriculum priorities, while actively monitoring national and international curriculum developments to inform evidence-based policy advice that meets the evolving needs of South Australian educators and students.
About The Division
The Curriculum and Learning Division is responsible for supporting educators within the public education system to provide the best learning possible to our children and young people. Driving its work is the Strategy for Public Education and the achievement of our ambitions for our learners. The Division has responsibility for all curriculum and learning initiatives, policies, and programmes and has recently undergone a functional design process resulting in the establishment of six directorates, four of which are new to the division. The directorates are:
* Aboriginal Education
* Curriculum
* Curriculum Strategy and Planning
* Connections and Engagement
* Early Years Curriculum and Learning
* Learning and Teaching
About You
* Proven leadership experience managing complex teams, building collaborative cultures and navigating politically sensitive environments
* Deep expertise in curriculum development from design through to implementation and evaluation, at both system and school site levels
* Strong understanding of how curriculum policy translates into effective classroom practice across diverse teaching contexts
* High-level capability in curriculum policy development, with the political awareness to work effectively across government and ministerial priorities
* Confident representing the department on major national curriculum committees
* Credible and engaging communicator who adapts their style to connect with diverse stakeholders at all levels
* Demonstrated ability to inspire new thinking and provide independent, authoritative curriculum advice and decisions
Essential Qualifications And Competencies
* An appropriate tertiary qualification including post-graduate qualifications in an appropriate discipline desirable or relevant experience
* Experience leading in a large and complex organisation at a senior level, ensuring the translation of priorities into executed deliverables
* You must have, or be able to obtain, a Department for Human Resources issued Working With Children Check
What You Will Get In Return
* A three-year executive contract
* Lead strategy and business outcomes within one of SA's biggest departments
* Be a part of a forward-thinking and dynamic team and enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment
Special Conditions
The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years.
For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.
Enquiries
Enquiries can be directed to Rod Nancarrow, Executive Director, Curriculum and Learning, via 8226 1017 or email:
Application Instructions
Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter, outlining their suitability against the position description.
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Note
This is a full-time contract role (1.0 FTE), initial 3 year contract
Applications close: 05/04/2026 11:30 PM
Attachments
* Assistant Director Curriculum Development - March 2026.pdf
* How to Apply - Guide for Applicants.pdf
* Pre-Employment
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
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