Senior Project Officer, Governance and Education

Guiding the future of NSW education

Position details

• Clerk Grade 9/10
• Full-time, Salary: $129,464 to $142,665 p.a. plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and leave loading
• Ongoing role
• Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available
• Contact for enquiries: Wendy Burke on wendy.burke@nesa.nsw.edu.au

About us

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we are dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish 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).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

About the role

The Senior Project Officer plays a key role in the planning, coordination, and delivery of governance and education projects that support non-government schools’ understanding of and compliance with Division 3, Part 7 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW). The role is responsible for managing complex projects and initiatives, developing practical guidance and resources, and leading stakeholder engagement activities that strengthen governance practices and regulatory compliance across the sector.

The Senior Project Officer provides high-quality advice, briefs, reports, and communications to support decision-making by senior executives and key stakeholders, while contributing to the continuous improvement of regulatory frameworks, guidance, and governance outcomes.

This is a great opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performing team working on impactful regulatory policy that supports quality education outcomes for students across NSW.

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

Planning, coordinating and delivering governance and education projects that support non-government schools’ understanding of and compliance with Division 3, Part 7 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW).

Supporting the implementation and ongoing review of regulatory frameworks, guidance and policy position through research, analysis and stakeholder feedback.

Providing timely and well-informed advice on governance, compliance, and regulatory matters, and preparing briefs, reports, correspondence, presentations, and discussion papers for senior executives and key stakeholders.

Supporting the identification and management of compliance risks through research, analysis and the development of practical, evidence-based solutions that strengthen governance and regulatory outcomes.

Coordinating strategic stakeholder engagement, communication and capability-building activities to promote sector understanding of regulatory requirements and support effective implementation of governance and compliance initiatives.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience delivering complex projects, initiatives or programs in a regulatory, governance, education, compliance or government environment.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to research, interpret and synthesise complex information to identify issues, assess risk and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
• The ability to manage complex and sensitive issues, providing considered, strategic advice and recommendations while balancing competing priorities and diverse stakeholder perspectives.
• Demonstrated experience building productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and facilitating collaboration across sectors.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and engaging briefs, reports, guidance materials and communications for a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to deliver quality outcomes, manage competing priorities, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success in planning and delivering stakeholder engagement, education, or capability-building initiatives that support understanding, governance or compliance outcomes.

Essential Requirements:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as education, regulation, governance, or government policy or demonstrated equivalent professional experience. 

Note: A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is required before commencing in this role. It is not required at the application stage. The cost of the WWCC clearance is the responsibility of the successful applicant. 

We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position.

At NESA you will benefit from:

• An organisation where your contribution has a big impact.
• An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices.
• Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.
• Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations.
• Salary packaging options.
• Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues.

Ready to join us?

Key information: If you are a current NESA employee or from another NSW government agency who use SuccessFactors for recruitment, it’s important to apply through SuccessFactors to ensure your application reaches our system in the right place. If you need advice on that process follow this guide.

For all other candidates:

Select “Apply now” 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 (maximum of 500 words per response):

• Describe a project, initiative, or process improvement you have led or coordinated in a governance, regulatory, compliance, or policy environment. What was the issue, what approach did you take, and what outcomes were achieved?
• Describe a time when you were required to analyse complex information, legislation, policy or stakeholder feedback and translate it into clear advice, guidance or recommendations. How did you approach the task and what was the outcome?

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to recruitment@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Close date: Tuesday 21 July 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

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

Important information

NESA’s Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

All children and young people have the right to be respected, feel safe, be safe, and protected from harm. NESA is committed to child safety and child safe practices underpinning our purpose of helping children and young people leave school, ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities and rise to its inevitable challenges. 

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

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