Principal Project Officer – Strategic Projects

This is a permanent full-time position commencing October 2026

The Department of Education’s strategic directions outline the commitment for every child, from Kindergarten to Year 12 to have access to high quality education underpinned by excellence in teaching and quality leadership. This is an education that meets the needs of the learner, preparing them for future success.

The Role

The successful applicant will implement, coordinate and support system-wide projects, initiatives, strategies and reform programs being undertaken within the Department. They will identify reform priorities in consultation with key stakeholders and coordinate provision of appropriate and sustainable programs for the Department.

This applicant will continually monitor, review and evaluate the effectiveness of reform programs and special projects to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and report progress to senior management, relevant committees and other relevant interest groups. Additionally, they will provide input to the development of policy, implementation frameworks, annual project plans and other key documentation.

They will be expected to build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate achievement of the Department’s reform objectives and participate in appropriate committees and other working groups. They will also provide professional advice to individuals and groups relating to programs, projects, strategies and initiatives and will implement integrated communication and engagement strategies for the Director General.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Patrick Callaghan, Executive Consultant on (08) 9264 41***or by emailing ***************@education.wa.edu.au

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at ***************@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period. 

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning relevant to this position
• A two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:

1. Demonstrated high-level project and program management skills, including ability to implement processes to facilitate monitoring, reporting and successful delivery.
2. Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and networks, including experience in undertaking high-level consultations, collaborations and negotiations.
3. Demonstrated highly developed written communication skills, including extensive experience in the preparation of correspondence, reports, Ministerial communication, briefing notes and policy.
4. Demonstrated highly developed conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills and experience in applying strategic thinking to achieve outcomes and implement effective change management strategies to achieve educational outcomes.
5. Demonstrated highly developed organisational skills with a proven ability to deliver outcomes on schedule in a demanding environment and under tight timeframes.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 41***for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1061666

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 31 August 2026