Senior Programs Officer – Identified position.
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 Employment
* Flexible working arrangements with minimum 2-3 days mandatory office presence for business requirements in Parramatta or any other Department of Education Office
* Salary ranges from $129,464 to $145,665 p.a. plus superannuation and annual leave loading
About the role
Located within the Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) division, this role contributes to the delivery of key programs and initiatives that support improved outcomes for children and families across NSW.
The Senior Programs Officer is responsible for leading the implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement of priority projects, ensuring programs are delivered effectively, on time, and aligned to strategic objectives. The role involves managing multiple workstreams, providing high-quality advice, and supporting the development of practical solutions to complex delivery challenges.
The role supports the delivery of initiatives that build capability within the Department and strengthen culturally responsive practice across the early childhood sector. This includes contributing to the design, delivery and refinement of program activities that uplift practice and support improved outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.
The role also identifies opportunities to enhance and expand program delivery, including refining approaches, supporting scalability, and contributing to broader initiatives within ECO. Strong collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to culturally responsive practice are essential to success in this role.
For further information please click here to view the role description.
About you
You are a strong program delivery professional with excellent project management skills and the ability to turn complex information into practical solutions. You are organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities.
You work well in collaborative environments, building effective relationships and supporting internal capability uplift. You bring a commitment to culturally responsive practice and are focused on continuous improvement and delivering meaningful outcomes.
* Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple program deliverables and competing priorities.
* Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality briefs, reports and correspondence that clearly communicate program outcomes, risks, and insights to support decision-making.
* Experience analysing and synthesising program data, feedback and information to inform continuous improvement, identify emerging issues, and support effective program delivery and recommendations.
* 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
* This position is designated for the employment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This initiative is authorised by the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan in accordance with Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must provide documentation upon appointment. More information can be found in the policy library under Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent
* Current and valid Working with Children Check Clearance for paid employment
* Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and/or experience.
* Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* 35 hour working week
* 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 five pages) and a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role, as well as your response to the pre-screening question below:
Please describe your experience leading or delivering a program or project. How did you manage implementation, respond to challenges or change, and ensure successful outcomes? In your response, outline how you have incorporated culturally responsive practices, particularly in relation to Aboriginal people and communities.
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.
Information Session
On Thursday, 2nd April 2026 at 12:30pm, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Advisory team will host an online Yarn Up (information session) about this role. The session will provide a detailed overview of the recruitment process, including applying for the Position/Role and interview to build confidence in your application.
To register your interest, please fill out the registration form and we will be in touch with further details and the meeting link. Alternatively, you may email the team at with subject line \"Yarn Up\" noting the job reference number.
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.
This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.
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: 10 April 2026 at 11:59pm.
For role enquiries please contact Luke Kendall details at
We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team () or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.
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.