Senior Director Assurance and Improvement

Job description
Agency Department of Education and Training Work unit Assurance and Improvement
Job title Senior Director Assurance and Improvement Designation Executive Contract Officer 2
Job type Full time Duration Fixed for up to 4 years
Remuneration $254,585 Location Darwin
Position number 48718 RTF 353739 Closing 25/08/2026

Contact Officer Sophia Tutton, A/ Executive Director, Strategic Services on 08 8999 5755 or sophia.tutton1@education.nt.gov.au
About the agency https://education.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=353739
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective
Establish and provide strategic direction of the Assurance and Improvement stream, integrating operational policy, quality assurance
services, projects, partnerships, reform initiatives, and resolution services to drive continuous improvement, strengthen governance and
improve service quality and accountability across NT schools and department programs.

Context statement
The Senior Director provides direction to embed a culture of continuous improvement and strong governance across NT schools and
departmental programs. The role integrates operational policy and quality assurance services with key projects, partnerships and reform
initiatives, and manages complaint resolution and related review services. These combined functions strengthen accountability, drive
service quality, and deliver evidence-based improvements that align with the Department of Education and Training’s strategic priorities.

Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide strategic leadership and high-level advice to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executives and Executive Directors on

assurance, governance, risk and improvement initiatives, overseeing the integration of operational policy, partnerships, review and
reform, resolution, quality assurance, and information management functions to deliver continuous improvement and support
government and departmental objectives.

2. Oversee complex complaint handling, systemic reviews, external referrals and legal claims, providing strategic advice for politically or
culturally sensitive matters and ensuring impartial, timely outcomes.

3. Direct external and internal reviews, drive reform initiatives and maintain effective risk management and accountability frameworks
to strengthen performance and service outcomes.

4. Oversee development and implementation of operational policies, delegations and quality standards to ensure consistent, evidence-
based and legally compliant decision-making.

5. Provide executive oversight of projects and initiatives; and represent the department in high-level forums ensuring alignment,
collaboration and influence on broader sector initiatives using insights to inform policy and organisational learning.

6. Establish and sustain cross‑functional networks and knowledge‑sharing to implement improvements, standardise processes, develop
capability and elevate awareness of the Assurance and Improvement functions across the department and broader government.

Selection criteria
Essential
1. Proven strategic leadership and political acumen in complex public‑sector environments and a strong ability to build and maintain high-

value relationships with stakeholders across government and the community to lead and influence best practice.
2. Proven ability to establish, lead and integrate multi-discipline teams, including policy, quality assurance, partnerships, reform and

resolution services, within a large, complex public sector organisation, fostering inclusive practices and building organisational
capability

3. Extensive understanding of government policy development, operational delegations and legislative compliance, with the capacity to
translate complex legislation into practical policies and procedures.

4. Demonstrated experience establishing and overseeing governance, risk management and continuous improvement frameworks,
including leading major organisational reviews and reforms, and managing complex or sensitive complaints and legal matters.

5. Demonstrated operational and fiscal accountability, including budget management, resource allocation and use of performance
measurement to inform improvement.

6. High level of personal integrity, resilience and accountability, with a track record of ethical decision-making and commitment to the
NT Public Sector values.

Desirable
1. Tertiary qualifications in a field relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

Further information
The successful applicant will need to have a current Working with Children Clearance Notice or the ability to obtain.