Senior Policy Officer

Guiding the future of NSW education

Position details

• Clerk Grade 9/10
• 1 x ongoing role and 1 x temporary role up to 31 October 2027 possibility of extension
• Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available

About us

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we're dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

About the role

The Senior Policy Officer roles play a key part in the regulation of non-government schools in NSW, supporting the implementation of Division 3, Part 7 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW).

Both positions contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality regulatory policy and strategic initiatives that promote strong governance, accountability, and compliance across the non-government school sector.

• The Senior Policy Officer, Regulation of Non-Government School Funding (temporary, up to two years) leads quality assurance and improvement initiatives across the directorate, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of regulatory documentation and advice. This role also has a direct report and provides mentoring and support to policy staff.
• The Senior Policy Officer, Governance and Education (ongoing) focuses on building sector capability through proactive engagement, communication, and education initiatives that strengthen understanding of compliance obligations and best practice governance.

This is a great opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performing team working on impactful regulatory policy that supports quality education outcomes for students across NSW.

On a day-to-day basis, you will be responsible for:

• Researching, analysing, and reviewing complex policy issues to develop evidence-based options and recommendations.
• Preparing high-quality reports, briefings, correspondence, and papers that reflect NESA's position and support informed decision-making.
• Providing expert policy advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Building and maintaining relationships across government, the non-government school sector, and other key partners to inform policy and promote effective regulatory practice.
• Supporting the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of regulatory policy and governance initiatives.
• For the temporary Senior Policy Officer, Regulation of Non-Government School Funding: leading quality assurance activities, mentoring staff, and supporting process improvement and digitisation initiatives.
• For the ongoing Senior Policy Officer, Governance and Education: coordinating strategic stakeholder engagement, communication, and capability-building projects to promote sector understanding and compliance.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Strong experience in policy development, analysis, and implementation in a regulatory, education, or government setting.
• The ability to manage complex and sensitive issues, providing considered, strategic advice and innovative policy solutions within tight timeframes.
• Demonstrated experience building productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and facilitating collaboration across sectors.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and engaging materials for a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to deliver quality outcomes, manage competing priorities, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• For the temporary Senior Policy Officer, Regulation of Non-Government School Funding: experience managing or mentoring staff and leading quality assurance or governance improvement processes.
• For the ongoing Senior Policy Officer, Governance and Education: demonstrated success in delivering stakeholder engagement or capability-building initiatives.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as education, regulation, governance, or government policy, or demonstrated equivalent professional experience.

Note: A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is required before commencing in this role. It is not required at the application stage. The cost of the WWCC clearance is the responsibility of the successful applicant.

We invite you to download the role descriptions below for additional information on the position.

At NESA you'll benefit from:

• An organisation where your contribution has a big impact
• An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices
• Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements
• Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations
• Salary packaging options
• Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues

Ready to join us?

Select apply and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately):

1. Describe a time when you implemented or enhanced quality assurance protocols or systems in a policy or regulatory environment. How did your approach contribute to improved outcomes across your team or organisation?
2. Describe your experience in researching, developing, and implementing regulatory policy initiatives, particularly in the context of education or government funding. How have you ensured your work aligns with legislative requirements such as the Education Act 1990 (NSW)?

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to

Close date: Sunday, 23 November 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

Important information

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and refugees.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles.