Why work with us:

The Office for Early Childhood Development was created to champion change and to help build a system that gives all South Australian children a flying start to life.

Guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the Office for Early Childhood Development is the steward of the early childhood development system in South Australia.

The Office is tasked with a significant responsibility: bringing together a holistic, connected system for early childhood development across South Australia, with the goal of reducing the rate of children entering school developmental vulnerable. Critical to this is the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026, giving every child access to 2 years of teacher-led, play-based early learning before school.

About this role:

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Principal Policy Officer to lead key infrastructure policy initiatives and ensure every 3-year-old has access to quality preschool services—where and when they need them.

This is more than just a policy role. You will be at the forefront of major initiatives including the Flying Start Infrastructure Grants Program and the delivery of 20 integrated hubs across South Australia, playing a crucial part in enabling our state's ambitious early childhood development goals.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Lead major policy programs including planning and delivery of infrastructure for 3-year-old preschool and integrated hubs.

Develop and implement evidence-based policy through research, data analysis, stakeholder input and consultation.

Manage projects end-to-end, ensuring outcomes align with strategic priorities and are delivered on time and to a high standard.

Provide expert advice and briefings on early childhood infrastructure and planning, including analysis of relevant data and trends.

Coordinate with external stakeholders and supports to ensure research, planning and grant delivery processes are efficient and effective.

Foster a high-performance team culture and continuous improvement in data use and reporting.

About you:

Lead Policy Impact with Purpose – Help Shape the Future of Early Childhood Education in South Australia.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

Policy Expertise: Demonstrated success in policy development and navigating complex issues in public sector environments.

Project Leadership: Strong skills in managing large-scale, high-impact projects with strategic outcomes.

Communication and Influence: Ability to translate complex ideas into clear advice and influence a wide variety of stakeholders.

Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical mindset, capable of shaping initiatives in line with broader government objectives.

Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor and collaborate across diverse professional groups.

Autonomous Decision-Making: Confidence to lead independently within broad guidelines and deliver against policy imperatives.

Desirable Skills:

Experience in data modelling, funding analysis or infrastructure planning.

In-depth knowledge of early childhood education policy in South Australia.

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline.

Role benefits:

The successful candidate will benefit from:

Making a Meaningful Difference: You will help shape access to preschool and early learning infrastructure that supports families and communities across the state.

Driving Real-World Outcomes: From policy design to implementation, your expertise will directly impact planning and service delivery.

Engaging with High-Level Stakeholders: Work closely with government leaders, local councils, providers, and the early childhood sector.

Flexible Work Options: The Office for Early Childhood Development is supportive of work-life balance with flexible working arrangements

Application Instructions and Information:

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the key selection criteria in the attached Position Description.

Additional Note:

Multiple opportunities available.

This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.

Remuneration:

ASO8-$121,107 -$125,679 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus superannuation.

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to [email protected]

Special Conditions:

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the Position Description at ASO8 Principal Policy Officer

Applications close:18/05/2025 11:45 PM