Department for Education
Job reference: 838626
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, Mathematics and Numeracy. In this key role, you will consolidate all Mathematics and numeracy initiatives, programs, and policies into a cohesive, evidence-informed offering for schools and preschools across the state. This is your opportunity to collaborate and lead with influence, driving system-wide improvements to public education.
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, Mathematics and numeracy is responsible for supporting the Director, Curriculum in consolidating all Mathematics and numeracy initiatives, programs, and policies across the department to provide cohesive, evidence informed policy advice and support to the system, schools and preschools. This position serves as the department's key numeracy authority and expert, leading the delivery of high-quality numeracy services and products from Reception to Year 12.
As the expert contact for all matters relating to Mathematics and numeracy education from Reception to Year 12, this position requires exceptional technical expertise combined with sophisticated stakeholder engagement capabilities. The incumbent will work directly with school leaders, government officials, teacher associations, and advocacy groups to evaluate current numeracy actions, develop future initiatives, and ensure that mathematics and numeracy offerings meet 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
* Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex teams, building collaborative cultures and navigating politically sensitive environments
* Ability to engage credibly with diverse stakeholders at all levels, with respect for varied views, motivations and experiences
* Deep knowledge of Mathematics and numeracy education, including current policy, research evidence and trends across South Australia, Australia and internationally
* High-level policy development and implementation capability, with the political acumen to navigate sensitive issues and align with government and ministerial priorities
* Proven ability to adapt communication styles to engage people with strategy and inspire new ideas.
Essential Qualifications And Competencies
* An appropriate tertiary qualification or 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: Rod.Nancarrow@sa.gov.au
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 Mathematics and Numeracy - March 2026.pdf
* How to Apply - Guide for Applicants.pdf
* Pre-Employment Declaration.pdf
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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