Executive Support Officer

Executive Support Officer

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

Ongoing: Full-Time
Location: (Gateshead with flexible working arrangements available)
Salary: Clerk Grade 7/8 with salary ranging from $113,574 to $125,720 + super and annual leave loading

About the role

The Executive Support Officer provides high-level executive and administrative support primarily to the Executive Director, Public Schools that includes some support to the Executive Director’s direct reports and the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Public Schools. This role is key in enabling smooth business operations aligned to priority areas and actions of the Regional North and West Public Schools directorate whilst also supporting other divisions of the Department in the communication or implementation of key initiatives and functions involving schools.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you -

Take initiative to manage priorities and provide support to and on behalf of the Executive Director, Public Schools.
Prepare documents, briefs and communications for directorate level meetings and committees involving the Regional North and West Public Schools directorate.
Support the Executive Director’s office with tracking actions, reports and data analysis. Work with directors, admin officers and senior leaders on operational and strategic matters.
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

Previous experience and an understanding of school operations.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Confidence in working with and supporting executive and senior educational support leaders, as well as principals, in a professional manner.
Initiative, attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality work under pressure.
Hold a valid NSW 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. As well respond to two targeted questions.

Targeted Questions:

1. Describe a time when you supported leaders of or aligned to schools (such as principals or directors) by coordinating communication or providing operational support aimed at minimising significant contention or risk. What was the outcome? (300 words)

2. Provide an example of when you coordinated school and system level leaders to support delivery of a large-scale project, event, or professional forum. How did you ensure smooth and effective delivery? (300 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’.

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 18 December 2025 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Joshua McGahen, Professional Support Officer, on mobile 0418 442173 or via email at [email protected]

Please note due to the NSW Government closedown period (Wednesday, 24 December 2025 – Sunday, 12 January 2026) applications for this recruitment will be reviewed commencing mid-January 2026.

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ([email protected]) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

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.