SAES1 Director, Curriculum Strategy and Planning

SAES1 Director, Curriculum Strategy and Planning Department for Education Job reference: Location: 5007 - HINDMARSH Job status: Long Term Contract Eligibility: Open to Everyone Work with purpose: The Department for Education is seeking a high‑level strategic thinker to fill the role of Director, Curriculum Strategy and Planning to lead the strategic direction of the Curriculum and Learning directorate. This is your opportunity to shape divisional priorities, build a high‑performing strategy function from the ground up, and influence educational policy that affects every public‑school student in South Australia. If you excel at turning evidence into action and strategy into results, this role is for you. Why Work With Us Every child and young person deserves a great education. We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, in partnership with learners, students, parents, and the wider South Australian community. We will build a world‑leading public education system that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing. Together we will make our education system the best it can be. When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state. About The Role As a member of the Curriculum and Learning executive team, the Director of Curriculum Strategy and Planning is responsible for the strategic planning function within Curriculum and Learning, using research to inform curriculum policy that enables the division’s ambition, and supports the South Australian Strategy for Public Education. The Director provides strategic leadership in identifying divisional priorities and delivering evidence‑informed recommendations to support decision making across the division. The position establishes and maintains best practice project management, risk management and business coordination functions that enable effective delivery of outcomes across all directorates. Reporting to the Executive Director, Curriculum and Learning, the Director leads a multidisciplinary team to ensure the division is strategically positioned to respond to current, emerging and future curriculum and learning requirements. The position plays a critical role in driving strategic policy initiatives and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The Director provides authoritative advice on complex and sensitive matters, influences divisional strategy and direction, and ensures alignment of activities with whole of government and departmental objectives. The position requires strong stakeholder engagement skills to build effective partnerships across the department. About You Extensive experience in project management or policy development, including design, implementation, evaluation and reporting on strategic initiatives that deliver key organisational outcomes. Proven leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams, driving vision and strategic priorities aligned with the SA Strategy for Public Education while fostering a high‑performance culture. Strong capability in building strategic partnerships and cultivating shared purpose across the division, with demonstrated commitment to trust, transparency, equity and excellence in decision‑making. Committed to creating safe, inclusive work environments with knowledge of Equal Opportunity and Work Health and Safety legislation. Essential Qualifications And Competencies An appropriate tertiary qualification, including post‑graduate qualifications in an appropriate discipline, or relevant experience. Experience leading in a large and complex organisation at an executive level, ensuring the translation of priorities into executed deliverables. What You Will Get In Return A three‑year executive contract. Access to a multitude of jobs and career growth opportunities within a unique, stimulating and purpose‑driven environment. Be part of a forward‑thinking and dynamic team and enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment. Special Conditions The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed, which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN–EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course, which will need to be updated every three years. For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description. Enquiries Enquiries can be directed to Rod Nancarrow, Executive Director, Curriculum and Learning, via or email: Application Instructions Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website. Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter, outlining their suitability against the position description. People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Additional Note This is a full‑time contract role (1.0 FTE), initial 3‑year contract. Applications close 16/01/ :30 PM Flexibility Statement The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part‑time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr