Manager - Strategic Policy and Governance

Department of Education, Western Australia; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% employer contributed superannution

Flexible working arrangements (work at

Annual leave and long service leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Department of Education, Western Australia seeks a strategic policy leader to drive system-wide disability reform within public education. The Manager, Strategic Policy and Governance will coordinate design and delivery of policies, translate evidence into practical options for government decisions, and lead a team across the Department to ensure coordinated, timely responses to evolving priorities.

The role focuses on high-quality policy advice to Directors and Ministers, development of reports

Responsibilities

• translates overarching strategy into operational goals and creates a shared sense of purpose within the business unit
• engages others in the strategic direction of the work area, encourages their contribution, and communicates expected outcomes
• considers the ramifications of a wide range of issues, anticipates priorities and develops long term plans for the work area
• understands objective, critical analysis and distills the core issues
• builds effective teams that are able to respond flexibly to changing circumstances
• allocates resources in appropriate and adaptive ways to deliver high quality results

Job description

This is a permanent full-time position commencing ASAP

Help drive the Department’s long-term, system-wide program of disability reform for public education.

We are ideally seeking an experienced policy leader to work across the agency, whole-of-government, and with broader stakeholders, to strengthen educational outcomes, inclusion and wellbeing for students with disability across the public education system.

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

The Role

The Manager, Strategic Policy and Governance, leads and coordinates the design and delivery of system-wide strategies and initiatives that address complex policy issues related to students with disability.

The successful applicant will provide high-quality, strategic policy advice to the Director, Corporate Executive, and Ministers in relation to disability reform priorities, including interrelated state and national issues. They will lead a team to undertake complex research, consultation and analysis; translate evidence into clear, practical options and positions that support government decision making; and develop reports, government submissions, business cases, and briefings.

This applicant will work across the Department to bring together and leverage subject matter expertise, strengthen coordination across relevant business areas, and support a coherent approach to disability reform. They will provide strategic leadership and exercise sound judgement within a complex and dynamic policy environment, where issues are rapidly evolving, priorities can shift quickly, and timely responses are required to meet Department and government needs.

Professional Benefits

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

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements
• 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.

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

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.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

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

Implements and manages strategy

• translates overarching strategy into operational goals and creates a shared sense of purpose within the business unit
• engages others in the strategic direction of the work area, encourages their contribution, and communicates expected outcomes
• considers the ramifications of a wide range of issues, anticipates priorities and develops long term plans for the work area
• understands objective, critical analysis and distils the core issues.

Achieves results

• evaluates ongoing project and program performance and identifies critical success factors
• establishes clear plans and timeframes for project implementation and outlines specific activities
• strives to achieve and encourages others to do the same
• monitors progress and identifies risks that may impact outcome and adjusts plans as required
• builds effective teams that are able to respond flexibly to changing circumstances
• allocates resources in appropriate and adaptive ways to deliver high quality results.

Builds productive relationships

• builds and sustains relationships with a network of key people internally and externally
• recognises shared agendas and works toward mutually beneficial outcomes
• brings people together and encourages input from key stakeholders.

Exemplifies personal integrity and self-awareness

• acts professionally and impartially at all times and operates within the boundaries of organisational processes and legal and public policy constraints
• takes personal responsibility for meeting objectives and progressing work and commits energy and drive to see that goals are achieved
• persists and focuses on achieving objectives even in difficult circumstances.

Communicates and influences effectively

• confidently presents information in a clear, concise and articulate manner and translates information for others
• approaches negotiations with a strong grasp of key issues, having prepared well in advance
• anticipates the position of the other party and adapts approach accordingly
• encourages the support of relevant stakeholders.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF). For more information about this opportunity, please contact Orla Kapinkoff, Principal Consultant on [phone] or by emailing [e-mail].

Applications close

4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 13 November 2026

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1071374

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.