Join us to make a difference for all students in NSW!

Position details

• Clerk Grade 9/10
• Full time, ongoing
• Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available

About the role

Are you an independent and skilled compliance professional looking for an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the education sector? The Non-Government Schools Unit is a specialist team. The Unit leads the oversight of financial assistance to NSW non-government schools and regulation of the not for profit requirements as detailed at s83C of the Education Act 1990 (NSW).

As a Senior Compliance Officer, you will work as part of a small team and play a pivotal role in leading investigations and reviews to ensure non-government schools and proprietors comply with Part 7, Division 3 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW). In this dynamic role, you'll also lead the development of strategic policy and program implementation for non-government schools, maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and sector peaks, and provide advice to the Minister on emerging policy and school issues, whilst being the driving force behind effective outcomes in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. If you're ready to apply your expertise and professional judgment in a role that offers both challenge and meaningful contribution, we want to hear from you.

On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:

• Leading and overseeing the examination, investigation, and review of non-government schools to ensure compliance with the Education Act 1990 (NSW).
• Assessing and triaging reports related to alleged for profit and non-compliance activity by non-government schools and/or proprietors, determining the need for regulatory intervention and conducting preliminary inquiries as necessary.
• Planning, leading, and conducting complex investigations, interviews, and reviews, gathering evidence in line with legislative requirements and legal standards.
• Preparing detailed investigation reports and submissions to inform decision-making by key stakeholders, including the Minister and the Non-Government Schools Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.
• Supporting the delivery of the non-government school audit program and review of audit reports.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience managing a high-volume caseload of compliance issues, complaints, and allegations, all while delivering timely and effective outcomes in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• The ability to establish and maintain cooperation during investigations of complex and sensitive compliance matters is essential, as is a strong sense of professionalism and the skill to navigate challenging situations with ease.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications/other formal qualifications or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and/or experience in investigations and undertaking regulatory functions.
• Extensive experience in undertaking a range of regulatory activities including investigations and proactive regulatory activities with a sound understanding of investigation principles, processes and practices and preparing reports detailing the outcome of investigations for the information of stakeholders and executive.
• Working with children check clearance for paid employment (prior to commencement, not required at the application stage)

Download the role description.

About us

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) works with the NSW community to drive improvements in student achievement. We are an independent statutory authority reporting to an independent Board and the NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning.

Making sure all children and young people in NSW leave school ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities, as well as to rise to its inevitable challenges, is at the heart of what we do.

We achieve this by supporting all school education sectors (public, catholic and independent and early childhood) to deliver the best possible outcomes for students and children through:

• high-quality syllabuses.
• assessment, including managing the HSC and NAPLAN.
• teaching standards, such as the accreditation of teachers to work in NSW schools and early childhood services.
• school environments, including setting and monitoring school standards

To find out more about the important work we do for NSW visit our website.

Ready to join us?

Select apply and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (up to 500 words each):

• Targeted Question 1

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a problem which challenged fairness and ethical issues. Explain how you responded and what was the outcome.

• Targeted Question 2

Give an example of when you had to prepare an investigation report presenting complex information in a simplified manner in order to explain it to an audience. What considerations did you have in presenting the information? What was the result?

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to the contact person above.

Close date: Sunday, 9 March 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

Important information

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and refugees.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles.