Principal Advisor

This is a fixed term, full-time position for 36 months, commencing in October 2026

This position is only available to principals currently working in a Western Australian public school.

If the appointee currently holds a systems level position, this appointment will continue for the remainder of their approved release period from their substantive principalship.

As part of the implementation of the Department’s new Strategic Plan, Our Plan for Public Education in Western Australia, we are expanding the remit of the former Leadership Institute to strengthen system leadership, coordination and oversight of professional learning programs. This more integrated and contemporary approach to professional learning further enables the Department's commitment to support and develop our people.

The Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate has the responsibility of ensuring the provision of high quality, system endorsed professional programs for our people for their ongoing development. The Directorate will provide strategic advice to senior leadership on high quality professional learning and coordinate and quality assure the delivery of professional learning, as part of broader system reform.

The Directorate is also responsible for overseeing the development of the Department's new home of professional learning, the Leadership, Learning and Development Institute, which will include the new Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub. This significant State Government initiative will support our workforce to address the increasingly diverse needs of students and help schools to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and wellbeing support.

The Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate operates as one team across two locations. This position is based in East Perth, with occasional travel to Leederville required for meetings and collaborative work.

The Role

This is a system leadership role that will support the Department's commitment to broaden the former Leadership Institute and deliver a more coordinated, contemporary and system-wide approach to professional learning. As part of the newly established Leadership, Learning and Development Directorate, the position will contribute to strengthening leadership and workforce capability across Western Australia's public education system. The initial focus of this role will be on strengthening support for students with disability through the establishment of the Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub, contributing to the development and implementation of strategic system-wide initiatives and reforms.

Providing high-level specialist advice to senior leaders, the Principal Advisor will play a leading role in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of professional learning initiatives that support system priorities and build the capability of leaders, teachers and support staff. Working collaboratively with schools, regions, subject matter experts and stakeholders, the role will help ensure professional learning programs, resources and supports are aligned, integrated and responsive to the evolving needs of schools and the Department.

We are seeking a highly capable and innovative leader with substantial knowledge of current trends, initiatives and reforms in education. You will bring demonstrated experience leading significant professional learning programs, projects and strategies at a school, regional or system level, together with highly developed conceptual, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills. Your ability to influence, collaborate and drive change will enable you to translate strategic priorities into impactful outcomes that strengthen capability and support continuous improvement across the public education system.

Your experience as a school leader will enable you to provide practical, school-focused advice and ensure professional learning initiatives remain connected to the needs of schools and staff. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous improvement, capability development and driving change in complex environments, while building productive partnerships and contributing to a culture of collaboration, innovation and high performance.

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 Eleanor Hughes, Director, Leadership on (08) 9413 33***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.
• hold a recognised qualification in teaching and be currently registered or eligible for registration to teach in Western Australia.
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check.

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 summary relevant to this position
• A two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
  1. Demonstrated substantial knowledge and understanding of current trends, initiatives and reforms in education.
  2. Demonstrated leadership skills, knowledge and experience in initiating, developing and implementing successful and significant professional learning programs, projects and strategies at school, region or system level.
  3. Demonstrated high-level skills and experience in leading the development, implementation and integration of strategic policies and programs at school, region or system level.

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process

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: DOE1061408 

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, 24 August 2026