Leadership Opportunity: Head of Assessment Technology (CEO2)

Position details

• Chief Education Officer Grade 2 (CEO2)
• Ongoing, full-time opportunity
• Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available

Are you a visionary technology leader ready to shape the future of educational assessment in NSW?

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is seeking an exceptional executive to lead its Assessment Technology function. As the Head of Assessment Technology, you will play a pivotal role in delivering innovative, high-impact digital solutions that support student achievement across NSW.

About NESA

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) we work with the NSW community to drive improvements in student achievement.

We achieve this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

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

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Information and Digital Officer, this senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of NESA’s assessment technology services, working in close partnership with the Assessment Division.

You will lead the development and support of platforms that facilitate the delivery of the Higher School Certificate (HSC) online and offline examinations across the state and MarkManager, NESA’s online marking system, used by jurisdictions and commercial clients across Australia.

Your portfolio will include:

• Driving service assurance, performance, and innovation across assessment technologies
• Leading complex projects and operational activities from planning to delivery
• Partnering with NESA’s Assessment Division to align technology with educational goals
• Managing stakeholder relationships across government, education sectors, and vendors
• Overseeing service delivery to external clients under contractual and SLA frameworks

This role is central to NESA’s digital transformation and will directly influence how technology enhances assessment practices for K–12 education.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership in technology and digital delivery within complex environments
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Experience in education, academic, or public sector program delivery
• Strategic thinking and resilience in navigating legacy systems and rapid change
• Relevant tertiary or professional qualifications or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• A valid Working With Children Check (prior to commencement, not required at application)

For further information, we invite you to download the role description.

Why Join Us?

At NESA, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and public impact. You’ll lead a team of up to 5 direct reports and influence a broader group of 50+ professionals, shaping the future of assessment technology in NSW.

This is your opportunity to make a lasting contribution to educational excellence and digital transformation in one of Australia’s most influential education agencies.

Ready to lead the transformation of assessment technology in NSW?

Select apply and attach:

• an up-to-date résumé and
• a cover letter that outlines what you would bring to this role

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: Monday 11 August at 11.59pm AEST

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

Important information

This is a child-related role. For the successful applicant, as a condition of employment, they will be required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment) prior to commencement in the role. Please note the WWC will be at the applicant’s own expense. For more information, click here.

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.