Chief Operating Officer

• Join a leadership group transforming education in NSW, and make a difference to students in NSW
• Ongoing Public Service Senior Executive Band 3 role with a remuneration range of $460,054 - $509,946 per annum  
• Based in Parramatta with flexible work options 

About us 

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.   

The Operations Group supports improved student outcomes by setting the strategic direction for operational, service and digital excellence across the department, continuously improving foundational processes and systems, and designing and delivering enhanced services that reduce workload and complexity for our school workforce.   

About the role 

Reporting to the Secretary of the Department of Education, the Chief Operating Officer provides leadership and strategic direction in a range of disciplines including finance, audit, risk; technology, shared services (EDConnect) and leading reforms to improve school operations. Through leadership of these functions the role enables improved student outcomes through seamless service delivery across the department. 

The role is a key member of the department's Executive and contributes more broadly to leadership at a whole of government level as a key participant in critical planning and decision-making processes ensuring that operational and service delivery influences and impacts for the department are considered.   

For more details about this role, please click here to view the Role Description.

About you 

We are looking for an exceptional leader who is collaborative, bold in thinking and vision and can ensure our support services enable an outstanding and equitable education system.  

To be successful in this role you will have:   

• Tertiary qualification/s in a relevant discipline, and/or demonstrated experience at an executive level in the management of major service deliverables in a large complex organisation.  
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.  
• Proven experience of leading operations and projects in a multi-discipline environment.
• Strong leadership skills in articulating and achieving goals collaboratively.
• Strong financial, risk and change management skills, with the ability to oversee the management of operations.
• 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.
  A valid clearance to work with Children (Working with Children Check).  

Interested? 
To apply for this role, please submit an online application and attach your resume along with a cover letter which describes how your capabilities, knowledge and experience make you the best person for this role. 

Applications Close: 11:59pm on Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Contact: For enquiries about the recruitment of this role, please contact Kaz Scott, Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary on   

Please note:  
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 may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months. Candidates on a talent pool may be chosen and directly offered employment in other or similar roles (ongoing or term) in the near future.