Manager Education Policy

McKinnon is seeking a dynamic and experienced Education Policy & Delivery Manager to join our Policy Innovation team. Our vision is to achieve outcomes for Australian students, in particular those from low socio-economic backgrounds, that are amongst the best in the world. This role is central to supporting us to deliver that vision.

You will lead the implementation of a groundbreaking reform in Australia's school system: Multi-School Organisations (MSOs). Working in close partnership with the Tasmanian Government – the first jurisdiction to trial MSOs from 2026 – you'll guide end-to-end design and delivery of this nationally significant program.

This is a hands-on role requiring outstanding program leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and the ability to translate ambitious policy into practical impact for schools, teachers, and students. You'll work closely with, and be supported by, the Head of Education – but will thrive on the agency this role provides.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Design and Implement Programs: Work in close partnership with the Tasmanian Government to design and deliver of a trial of national significance, including overseeing a program plan and managing risks.

• Drive Strategic Policymaking: Lead projects to scope, research and develop policy proposals as part of the MSO trial – drawing on insights from stakeholders and global best practice.

• Deliver High-Quality Outputs: Produce policy papers, strategy decks, Board papers, and strategic communications materials that support program governance and effective delivery.

• Engage and Influence: Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across federal and state governments, national and UK education systems, and a variety of partner organisations.

• Coordinate Partnerships: Manage consultants, contractors, and research partners to ensure quality and accountability across all program activities.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking an empathetic leader with a proven ability to design and deliver complex education programs, while contributing to a high-performance culture. You might come from government, education, a not-for-profit or the corporate sector – what matters is a strong grasp of evidence-based education, a broad policy skillset, and the ability to build strong working relationships at all levels.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Educational Background: A tertiary qualification in education, public policy, public administration, or a related field.

• Professional Experience: Strong experience managing complex programs or projects, ideally within an education or government policy environment. You will have the education expertise, policymaking skills and attention to detail needed to deliver in a complex and fast-paced environment.

• Strategic and Operational Capability: Demonstrated ability to work across strategy and delivery. You should be able to oversee program delivery, lead strategic projects, and be able to produce high quality outputs.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with experience engaging senior policy and government stakeholders.

• Personal Attributes: A collaborative, curious, and courageous mindset — aligned with McKinnon's values of: Be Humble, Be Curious, Be Courageous, and Make It Matter.

What We Offer

At McKinnon, we provide:

• Meaningful Impact: A unique opportunity to shape the future of Australia's education system and improve outcomes for young people, in an entrepreneurial and intellectually stimulating environment.

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a motivated and supportive team, driven by curiosity and a desire to foster meaningful debate and diverse perspectives to deliver the best possible outcomes.

• Professional Growth: Lead complex projects and programs with opportunities for personal growth, supported by coaching and professional development. This role is ideal for someone highly motivated to deliver excellent standards of work and committed to continually learning and improving.

If you share our vision and thrive on varied and challenging work that cuts through systemic barriers to accelerate change for children and young people across Australia, you'll flourish at McKinnon.

About Us

McKinnon is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organisation which exists to empower better Governments for a stronger Australia. Our work focuses on four core areas where we believe meaningful, measurable impact matters most: political leadership, the public sector, democracy, and policy innovation. We are driven by curiosity and a desire to bring diverse perspectives together to create meaningful debate. We have the courage to make bold decisions and are driven by the urgency that meaningful work creates. We exist to make impact that matters.

Application Process

If you are passionate about education reform and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we invite you to apply by clicking Apply Now by 26 October 2025.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact

McKinnon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.