Workplace Specialist

Independent Schools NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Independent Schools NSW seeks a Workplace Specialist to provide high‑quality advice across employment relations, WHS and privacy for member schools. You will interpret legislation, support investigations, and contribute to policy and professional learning. Travel across NSW may be required.

Working within a team of specialists, you translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance and engage effectively with school leadership and staff to navigate regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in employment/industrial relations.
• Degree in HR, law or related field.
• Strong knowledge of Fair Work Act and enterprise agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and risk-rated options to member schools on workplace matters.
• Support investigations and policy development for schools.
• Deliver professional learning and client-facing advisory services.

Skills

Employment relations experience

Legal and regulatory understanding

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor/Masters in HR, Law or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Independent Schools NSW is the peak body supporting and representing independent schools in NSW and provides a range of services across NSW and ACT. We believe in the excellence and opportunities that come with choice, diversity and independence in education and aim to serve and champion Independent schools.

The Workplace Management Team takes a problem-solving integrated approach to assisting schools to identify best practice options and flexible solutions in response to the challenges they face in relation to employment relations, work health and safety and school legal matters.

Position Purpose

The Workplace Specialist contributes to the delivery of high-quality advice and support to member schools across a broad range of workplace and compliance matters.

The role provides industrial, employment relations, privacy, contract and WHS advice, agreement interpretation, supports workplace investigations and agreement-making processes, and contributes to policy development and professional learning.

Working within a team of 10, the Consultant helps schools navigate legal and regulatory frameworks by presenting risk-rated options aligned with their obligations as independent education providers.

The role also requires the capability to translate complex legal and compliance concepts into accessible, practical information for school audiences and to deliver that content with authority, credibility, and audience engagement.

Key Accountabilities

Advisory Services

• Provide timely, pragmatic, and risk-rated options to member schools on matters including employment relations, industrial relations, and workplace health and safety, and in particular the Independent Schools NSW Multi Enterprise Agreements.
• Support schools with the interpretation and application of relevant legislation, Awards, enterprise agreements, and best practice approaches to workplace issues.
• Assist in developing schools’ understanding of legal obligations in emerging areas, including child protection, duty of care, enrolment contracts, privacy and family law.

Workplace Investigations and Compliance

• Support or conduct workplace investigations in accordance with relevant legislative frameworks and procedural fairness, where qualifications permit.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures to support schools in managing risk, maintaining compliance, and fostering safe and respectful workplaces.

Agreement Making

• Support the enterprise bargaining process, including preparation, planning and strategy development, initiating the bargaining process, participating in the negotiations and drafting, coordinating the voting process, and lodgement of cooperative multi-enterprise and single-enterprise agreements for schools, ensuring compliance with Fair Work processes and timelines.

Professional Learning and Engagement

• Design, develop and deliver high-quality presentations, briefings, and training for school staff and leadership tailored to the needs of Independent schools ensuring content is practical, relevant and engaging.
• Contribute to the team’s written resources, newsletters, and updates to inform schools of changes in the industrial and legal landscape.

Research and Sector Monitoring

• Conduct research and monitor developments in employment law, WHS, and other relevant areas to ensure up-to-date and relevant advice.
• Provide insights and summaries of changes in the industrial relations landscape, assisting the team to adapt and respond accordingly.

General and Organisational Contribution

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of advice and support provided to schools.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and the broader mission of Independent Schools NSW
• by engaging collaboratively across teams.

Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge/Skills

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Employee Relations or Law

What Experience are we looking for?

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in employment relations and/or industrial relations.
• Experience working in or with the education sector or a member-based organisation is advantageous.
• Certificate III in Investigative Services (or equivalent) is desirable, particularly for those undertaking workplace investigations.

What Knowledge/Skills are we looking for?

Technical Expertise

• Sound understanding of employment and industrial relations law, including the Fair Work Act, modern awards, and enterprise agreements.
• Knowledge of or willingness to develop expertise in child protection, family law, work health and safety and privacy legislation as they apply to independent schools.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound, practical advice using an options according to risk approach.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal and regulatory concepts in plain language.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and deliver engaging professional learning programs, workshops, and presentations to a variety of audiences, including school leaders, senior executives, and staff.
• Able to demonstrate presence, confidence, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with member schools, internal colleagues, and external stakeholders.

Research and Problem Solving

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret legislation and develop practical solutions.
• Capacity to assess competing risks and present balanced options aligned to member school needs.

Organisational and Technical Skills

• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• A valid NSW Working with Children Check Clearance or a willingness to obtain the same
• A current NSW Driver’s Licence is required.
• Capacity to travel across metropolitan Sydney and regional areas of NSW, including occasional overnight stays that may extend to consecutive nights.
• Flexible work arrangements are available.
• Understanding of the NSW independent school sector and the role of Independent Schools NSW as a peak body and member-based service organisation.

At Independent Schools NSW we value and promote a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures and experiences. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applications close Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Invitations to interview for this role may occur upon receipt of the application prior to the closing date. Independent Schools NSW reserves the right to reduce the application period and/or remove the job advertisement early should a suitable applicant be found.

Please direct any questions to:

Margaret Molloy | Manager: People and Culture