Strategic Initiatives Manager Join the NSW Department of Education as a Strategic Initiatives Manager (Clerk Grade 11/12)
We are excited to announce an opening for a Strategic Initiatives Manager in the Arts, Sport and Initiatives unit in our Student Support and Specialist Programs directorate.

• Location: Parramatta with access to various NSW Education offices and flexible working arrangements available
• Salary: Clerk Grade 11/12 with base salary ranging from $149,739 to $173,174 per annum, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Ongoing full-time opportunity

About the Department of Education
At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

We ensure young children get the best start in life by supporting and regulating the early childhood education and care sector. We unlock excellence and unleash the potential of two-thirds of school children in NSW. We’re proudly public and the largest education system in Australia. We nurture opportunities for every learner to develop the skills needed for their chosen career path, helping shape the industries of tomorrow.

We respect and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as First Peoples of Australia.

About the Student Support and Specialist Programs directorate
The Student Support and Specialist Programs directorate is responsible for the development, delivery and evaluation of state-wide services and specialist programs to support student engagement and opportunities including Arts, Sport, Community Languages and International programs.

The Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Services team focuses on the delivery of student support services including support for students in the areas of mental health, wellbeing and complex needs.

The Assisted School Travel Program provides transportation services for students with additional needs from home to school and back to ensure all students are able to access education in NSW public schools.

Student opportunities across all areas are enhanced through partnerships with industry specialists and stakeholders.

About the role
The Strategic Initiatives Manager works across the Arts, Sport and Initiatives business unit providing strategic and administrative leadership in relation to a range of projects and programs, agreements, grants, and high-profile initiatives and partnerships.

For further information including a full list of key accountabilities click here to view the role description.

About you
You are a strategic thinker and skilled team leader with a strong track record of managing high-profile initiatives, agreements, and grants within complex stakeholder environments. You bring a proactive, solutions-focused approach and are confident navigating competing priorities, tight timeframes, and emerging issues. Your ability to foster effective partnerships—both internal and external—supports successful delivery of impactful programs. With excellent communication and organisational skills, you are adept at preparing high-quality briefings as well as managing risk, resources, and reporting to ensure alignment with departmental priorities.

Key knowledge and experience:
• Demonstrated commitment to the implementation of the NSW Plan for Public Education
• Demonstrated capacity to lead staff in implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements:
• Hold a current and valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for paid employment (or willing to acquire one)
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education

Why Join Us?
• Be part of Australia’s largest education system
• Work in a dynamic, inclusive team committed to excellence and equity
• 35 hour working week
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements
• Flex leave entitlements, generous holidays and leave conditions
• Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fitness Passport
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply
Please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Online’ and attaching a resume (maximum 5 pages) & cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities for the role.

Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

Applications close: Thursday 14 August at 11:59pm (AEST)

For role enquires please contact Jordi Austin via email on [email protected]

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ([email protected]) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A talent pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.