Senior Policy Research Officer

Join us as Senior Policy Research Officer (Clerk Grade 9/10)

We are excited to announce an opening for a Senior Policy Research Officer within our Inclusion & Wellbeing directorate.

• Location: Parramatta with access to various NSW Education offices and flexible working arrangements available

• Clerk Grade 9/10 with base salary ranging from $129,464 to $142,665 per annum, plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

• Ongoing full-time opportunities

About the NSW 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 Inclusion & Wellbeing directorate

The Inclusion and Wellbeing Directorate drives continuous improvement of policies and programs that maximise access, inclusion and wellbeing of students in education from pre-school to year 12. The Directorate leads coordination of state-wide strategy and policy to lift student participation, health and wellbeing, and outcomes for students with disability.

About the role

The Senior Policy Research Officer leads the conduct of high-quality research and evaluations to inform the development, implementation and review of strategic directions, reforms, policies and initiatives to strengthen student wellbeing and advance equitable outcomes.

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

Key knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of and commitment to 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:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, and/or equivalent workplace experience in undertaking research and evaluation.

• 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

• 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.

Please be advised that it is a requirement that all candidates submit their applications online. No paper based, email based, or late applications will be accepted.

Applications close: Sunday 2 November 2025 at 11:59pm (AEST)

For role enquiries, please contact Rochelle Cox via email on

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 ) 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.