Policy Analyst

Company description:

The NSW Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. For more information about the NSW Department of Education, please visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/

Job description:

Policy Analyst

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

• Ongoing/ Permanent
• Location: Parramatta with flexible working arrangements
• $146,779 - starting from $116,981 to $ 129,492 + Super + flex leaves

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative Researcher to join the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation. In this role, you will contribute to high-quality research that informs education policy and practice across the preschool, school, vocational education and training (VET), and tertiary education sectors.

You will undertake qualitative and/or quantitative research, conduct literature reviews, analyse survey and other research data, and synthesise complex evidence into clear, practical insights. Your work will support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to publications, policy advice, and strategic projects.

Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will participate in project teams, contribute to stakeholder meetings, and provide research advice across a range of business areas. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile projects that influence education outcomes across New South Wales.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you -

You are an inquisitive and analytical researcher who enjoys working with complex information and turning evidence into practical insights. You have strong communication skills and can explain technical concepts in plain English to diverse audiences.

You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy contributing to team projects, and are comfortable managing competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

To be successful, you will demonstrate:

• Experience undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative research with strong literature review, evidence synthesis and analytical skills.
• Experience analysing survey data or other research dataset along with excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce work to publication standard.
• The ability to communicate complex research findings clearly using written, verbal and visual methods.
• Experience preparing reports, briefings, presentations or other materials for senior stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build productive working relationships.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams and contributing to multidisciplinary projects.
• Sound project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• An interest in current and emerging trends in education research and policy.
• 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

• Hold a valid clearance to work with children (Working with Children Check) 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 and answering targeted questions

Describe a project that you led or contributed to that involved analysing qualitative and/or quantitative research data and communicating the findings to a diverse audience. What were the key considerations of the task and how did you address them? (maximum 250 words)

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department's values and priorities.

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: Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Stephanie Peters at 04•• ••• 613 or stephanie.french9@det.nsw.edu.au and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Rajalakshmi Subramanian at ••••@det.nsw.edu.au

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education's Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.

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.