Senior Program Officer

Senior Program Officer

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

• Temporary Full-Time up to 4 years and Ongoing roles available
• Located in Eveleigh with flexible working arrangements available
• Salary: Clerk Grade 9/10 with salary ranging from $129,464 to $142,665 + super and annual leave loading
• Be part of a dynamic, growing division where your ideas and expertise make a real impact

Kickstart 2026 by joining a brand-new team Be part of the Cleaning Services Division and help deliver safe, high-quality, and compliant services across NSW public schools.

About Cleaning Services
The NSW Government's reforms to public sector cleaning services entail the NSW Department of Education taking over management of the state's Whole-of-Government cleaning contracts from January 1, 2026.

A team has been established to deliver an enhanced Whole-of-Government cleaning contract for alignment and delivery of all program streams. Including Governance, ITD, Recruitment and Risk Management.    

About the role
As a Senior Program Officer, you will drive key programs and projects within the new Cleaning Services Division.  

You will manage compliance, support procurement and tender processes, and prepare insights and reports that inform senior decision-making. Working with stakeholders across agencies and suppliers, you'll help embed efficient, transparent, and effective program management processes while shaping the future of this new division.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you  
You are an organised, proactive, and analytical professional with experience in program or project management. You thrive on solving complex problems, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring continuous improvement.

You will bring:

• Experience managing programs, projects, or contracts in complex environments
• Knowledge of procurement processes, compliance frameworks, and contract management
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to produce clear, evidence-based reports
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and communication skills
• A solutions-focused approach and the ability to adapt to evolving operational requirements

If this sounds like you, apply now  

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 of the role

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in program and/or project management  
• Current and valid Working with Children Check Clearance for paid employment.  
• 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) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Targeted Questions

1. Can you describe your experience managing complex programs or projects, particularly in a regulated or government environment? (300 words)  
2. How have you used data or reporting to influence senior decision-making or improve operational outcomes? (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.

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.

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:  Wednesday, 19 November at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Joanne Stanborough via email on

For recruitment related enquiries contact  

For technical issues contact  

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.