Manager - Policy Reform

Department of Education; Perth; On-site; AUD 163,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education in Western Australia is seeking a seasoned policy leader to shape state and national education reforms. As Manager, Policy Reform, you will steer system-wide policy development, analysis and strategic advice to senior decision-makers and Ministers.

You will translate evidence into policy positions and reform options, produce business cases, briefs and Cabinet submissions, and build cross-agency alignment for ambitious reform programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of system and cross-agency policy and initiatives.
• Provide high-quality analysis and strategic advice to senior decision-makers and Ministers.
• Translate evidence and Government priorities into clear policy positions and reform options.
• Prepare business cases, position papers, reports, Ministerial briefs and Cabinet submissions.
• Assess impacts and value of policy options and build alignment across reforms.

Job description

Level 8, $163,427 - $176,990 per annum (pro-rata)

This is a permanent full-time position commencing ASAP

Help shape major education reform at state and national levels. The Department of Education is seeking an experienced policy leader to help shape the future of public education in Western Australia.

Join Reform and Strategic Services as the Department delivers against its strategic plan and progresses important state and national education reforms

The Role

As Manager, Policy Reform, you will shape the Department’s response to complex and emerging education priorities and contribute to reform at state and national levels.

You will lead the development of system and cross-agency policy, strategies and initiatives, and provide high-quality analysis and strategic advice to senior decision-makers and Ministers.

Working at the centre of strategic policy development, you will translate evidence and Government priorities into clear policy positions and practical reform options, including business cases, position papers, reports, Ministerial briefings and Cabinet submissions.

You will assess the impacts and value of policy options, build alignment across related reforms, and use strong policy expertise, critical analysis and stakeholder relationships to develop well-considered and achievable outcomes.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:

• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Applications close: 4:30 pm (AWST) on Monday, 9 November 2026

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1070559

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.