Director, StrategySchool InfrastructureLocation: Eveleigh, NSW (flexible working arrangements available)
Expressions of interest are being sought from eligible ongoing and temporary employees in the NSW Government to relieve in the role of Director, Strategy in School Infrastructure within the Portfolio Investment Directorate from 30 March 2026 up to 29 May 2026 (with the possibility of extension until the end of July). The role is based in Eveleigh with flexible working arrangements available.
School Infrastructure (SI) in the NSW Department of Education is responsible for delivering new school buildings, major upgrades, and maintenance strategies across NSW. We are proud to be leading the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the state's history.
Why work with us?
You will join a new senior leadership team overseeing the infrastructure investment portfolio and an ambitious reform program, ensuring the right strategies, systems, processes, governance, and guidance are in place to effectively deliver high-quality outcomes for public education.
About the role
The role is the policy lead for SI and is responsible for managing a portfolio of SI strategic policy and reform initiatives working with other areas of the Department and external stakeholders, coordinating regular report-backs to ERC and Cabinet on behalf of SI, overseeing SI comments and advice on whole-of-government ERC and Cabinet submissions, managing the SI Capital Investment Plan, Strategic Asset Management Plan and Asset Management Plan, supporting SI Executive business planning processes and overseeing the collection and management of SI asset function and condition data.
Key accountabilities
* Initiate, foster and sustain proactive working relationships with Ministers' offices with significant ministerial liaison including multiple clusters, community groups, industry stakeholders and relevant agencies to foster high levels of collaboration and information transfer.
* Lead the execution, monitoring and divisional planning for SI to provide a holistic view and ensure business planning requirements are met in a satisfactory and timely manner.
* Foster collaborative relationships with project leaders, SI executive team members and other key leaders across the department on a range of issues on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring interdependencies and coordination of strategic projects and initiatives and an open and proactive flow of information across the executive group.
* Identify and define major strategic issues for SI and the department, integrating diverse stakeholder interests to inform the development and prioritisation of project initiatives, including overseeing the preparation of quality written reports and correspondence.
* Drive and evaluate operational performance outcomes which contribute to the achievement of the division's strategy and be accountable for providing detailed and reliable analysis to support strategic and dynamic decision making processes and to identify and drive opportunities for innovation.
* Foster a culture which drives and encourages high performance, collaboration, agility and accountability in the delivery of educational outcomes aligned with the division's and Department's strategy. Model and promote a strong risk culture throughout the business unit in line with the department's risk management and governance frameworks, including Work Health and Safety (WHS) risk management as outlined in the WHS policy.
* Lead, motivate and mentor the team, monitoring performance, fostering ongoing professional development and ensure staff have the knowledge and skills to achieve their work objectives in alignment with department values.
Key challenges
* Achieving cooperation, compliance and engagement across the SI division in the implementation of strategic initiatives, aligned with executive decisions given the range of stakeholders and often competing interests and priorities.
* Balancing the priorities of the Ministers' offices with the strategic focus of the department and managing the relationship with ministers and their staff given the need to ensure effective and timely communication and ongoing support of key priorities within the department.
* Anticipating and responding to challenges which may impede effective delivery against strategic objectives, including identifying mechanisms to mitigate risks.
Key knowledge and experience
* Demonstrated experience developing and managing policy reform initiatives.
* Demonstrated experience managing internal and external stakeholders.
* Demonstrated understanding of the NSW Cabinet and ERC processes.
* Understanding and/or previous experience in asset management or infrastructure delivery or policy will be highly regarded (but is not essential).
* 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
* Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent experience, preferably gained through the completion of a business-related tertiary qualification and supplemented by practical experience in a diverse and complex operating environment.
* Hold a valid clearance to work with children (Working with Children Check).
* Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
Who can apply?
Existing permanent and temporary employees in the NSW Government are eligible to apply. Please ensure you have your manager's approval.
How to apply
To submit your Expression of Interest application, please send the following documents directly to Kiah Leary via the email link below:
* Short cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the role
* Resume (maximum of 5 pages)
Closing date: Monday, 9 March
Questions?
For role enquiries, please contact:
Name: Kiah Leary
Role: Executive Officer, ED, Portfolio Investment
Email: