Job description
Agency Department of Education and Training Work unit Schools Division
Job title Senior Director Education Designation Executive Contract Officer 2
Job type Full time Duration Fixed from 13/04/2026 for up to 4 years
Salary $247,170 Location Palmerston
Position number 42857 RTF Closing 04/03/2026
Contact officer Miranda Watt, Executive Director on or
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
Provide critical system leadership and be responsible for the performance and development of principals in the Top End region, to support
the delivery of improved educational outcomes in schools and early childhood services. Provide executive experience in implementing,
coordinating, and influencing interaction, stakeholder and Whole of Government education and training priorities and projects.
Context statement
The Department of Education delivers services to children and young people to maximize educational outcomes, safety, and wellbeing
from early years through to senior years of schooling. There are 153 government schools across the NT, with 71 per cent located in remote
and very remote areas. Education NT consists of 6 regions – Central, Big Rivers, Barkly, Top End, Darwin and East Arnhem. The Top End
region has 36 schools and 74 early childhood education centres. The successful applicant is required to travel regularly to schools as well
as other regions including overnight stays, capable to drive four-wheel drive vehicles long distances and travel in light aircraft.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide executive level leadership and work collaboratively with principals to inform, set and drive the strategic direction of the
organisation and to implement a whole of system high quality approach to school improvement.
2. Implement a framework of development, support and accountability to improve the learning and wellbeing of principals in the region.
3. Develop a strategic education and training vision for the region, ensure best practice standards in the delivery of education, drive and
implement change and build a positive culture across the region including the department Top End regional office.
4. Through effective leadership and engagement, develop, drive, and maintain positive, collaborative, and effective working relationships
with the other divisions of the department to determine the support and coordinated action required for schools to deliver improved
student outcomes.
1. Be part of the Schools Division Leadership Team, working in close collaboration with Senior Directors, reporting to and providing high
level advice to the Executive Director Schools and Regions and Deputy Chief Executive Schools.
1. Provide strategic direction and executive leadership to drive and influence government and other key stakeholders in implementing
the department and government's strategic objectives for education and training in the region.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Tertiary qualification in education and extensive experience in the education and training sectors.
2. Extensive senior management level experience in the leadership and management of a complex professional based organisation,
including experience in driving change and reform and building a positive organisational culture.
3. Proven experience leading highly effective education improvement strategies to lift performance and student achievement levels with
demonstrated knowledge of contemporary curriculum, pedagogy and assessment from early childhood to Year 12.
4. Demonstrated capacity to build strong stakeholder relationships and to drive and influence stakeholders to gain commitment to the
department's strategic objectives.
5. High level oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and negotiating skills.
6. Contemporary knowledge of organisational, financial, business, procurement, people and resource management principles and
practices, including governance responsibilities at a senior management level.
7. Preparedness to undertake overnight travel to remote communities, travel in four-wheel drives and light aircraft, and hold a current
NT driver's license.
Desirable
1. Relevant tertiary and post graduate qualifications.
Further information
The selected applicant must hold a current NT Working with Children Notice (Ochre Card) or the ability to obtain prior to commencement.