SLI Research Specialist

SLI Research Specialist

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

• Ongoing / Full-Time
• Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
• Clerk Grade 11/12 - $149,739 to $173,174 plus superannuation and leave loading

About the role

• Lead research projects to shape evidence-informed strategies that strengthen leadership development across NSW public schools.
• Analyse complex education data and emerging trends to deliver insights that guide policy, practice, and innovation in school leadership.
• Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to drive collaboration and translate research into impactful outcomes.

The School Leadership Institute (SLI) offers world-class, evidence-informed and future-focused leadership development programs so that our school leaders can focus on the learning of both teachers and students in their schools.

This position manages and leads a team that co-designs and conducts research projects including the collection and analysis of data and information to inform the development of strategies to support the provision of world-class, evidence-informed, future-focused leadership development programs and initiatives in NSW public education.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you -

• Extensive experience in education or policy research, with a strong understanding of school leadership and professional learning.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in research design, data analysis and translating evidence into practical insights and recommendations.
• Excel at managing complex projects, balancing multiple priorities and delivering outcomes on time and to a high standard.
• Collaborate confidently with senior stakeholders, building productive relationships across the Department and external partners.
• 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 of the role

• Doctoral qualification or near completion, preferably in education.
• Design and delivery of professional learning at scale: The role requires demonstrated experience in designing and delivering professional learning to Executive Directors, Directors and other senior leaders across NSW Department of Education, including in-person delivery to large groups and system-wide online delivery to all NSW public school staff.
• Educational expertise and adult learning pedagogies: The role requires demonstrated expertise in education, underpinned by a teaching background, and experience in adult learning pedagogies.
• Research and writing: The position requires the ability to author educational research papers that draw on educational research.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and answer the following questions outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

1. 
   
2. Describe your experience designing and delivering professional learning at scale, including large in-person sessions and online delivery to broad audiences. Briefly outline the strategies you used to ensure engagement and impact. (300 words)
3. How does your background in education and familiarity with adult learning pedagogies inform your approach to developing professional learning content? (please upload an example of an educational research paper or resource you have authored that integrates current research in the Supporting Documentation section under My Documents) (300 words)

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

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'.

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.

As a condition of employment, successful candidates not currently employed by the Department must provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance number. Renewal is not required after the WWCC expires, as long as you remain in a non–child-related role. Employer obligations only apply while the WWCC is valid.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa. 

Closing date Sunday, 2nd November 2025 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Karen Maraga at and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Elaine Ordell at

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 recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment 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.