Executive Officer to the CEO at New South Wales Government

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

24 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

23 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Advice, Communication Leadership, Issues Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Development, Coordination, Risk Minimisation, Project Leadership, Administrative Systems Development, Confidentiality, Evidence-based Decision-making, Quality Assurance

Industry

Law Enforcement

Description

Guiding the future of NSW education Position details Clerk Grade 11/12 Ongoing, full-time role Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available About us At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we are dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future. We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards). NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact. Visit our website to learn more about the important work we do. About the role As the Executive Officer to the CEO, you will play a critical role in supporting the CEO, Executive Team and Education Minister by providing high‑level strategic advice, leading communications, and coordinating initiatives that advance NESA’s strategic and operational objectives. The position is central to enabling informed decision‑making, effective issues management and timely delivery of government commitments. This is a great opportunity to: Work closely with NESA’s CEO and senior leaders on high‑impact priorities shaping education outcomes for all NSW students. Operate as a trusted advisor on complex policy, stakeholder and organisational matters. Lead meaningful work in a dynamic, high‑profile environment with significant exposure to Ministerial and sector stakeholders. Contribute to the achievement of NESA’s vision to ensure every child and young person in NSW is set up for lifelong success. On a day-to-day basis you will be required to: Prepare, manage and review the provision of high‑level strategic advice on complex and emerging policy and stakeholder issues to support evidence‑based decision‑making. Prepare, coordinate and quality‑assure complex communications including Ministerial correspondence, briefings, reports, submissions and notes to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Lead stakeholder engagement, consultation and negotiation processes to inform policy decisions and support quality outcomes. Provide issues management support, responding quickly to emerging matters to minimise organisational risk. Lead and/or contribute to projects aligned to organisational strategic and operational priorities. Develop, implement and evaluate administrative systems and practices to optimise operational efficiency. To be successful, you will need: Tertiary qualifications or relevant knowledge and experience Demonstrated knowledge of NESA’s policy and regulatory framework and proven experience working in a confidential and high‑volume work environment Demonstrated excellent written communication skills and experience in providing strategic advice on complex issues Knowledge and understanding of current and emerging education trends and issues, and the ability to make connections with NESA’s policy and strategic agenda We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position. At NESA you will benefit from: An organisation where your contribution has a big impact. An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices. Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements. Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations. Salary packaging options. Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues. Ready to join us? Select apply and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately): Describe key opportunities and challenges for NESA presented by current education policy reforms in NSW and Australia. Outline an example of a time where you were asked to intervene in the work of another team to align with the organisation’s objectives. What did you do and what was the outcome? Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to recruitment@nesa.nsw.edu.au Close date: Monday 2 March 2026 at 11.59pm AEST Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application. Important information NESA’s Statement of Commitment to Child Safety All children and young people have the right to be respected, feel safe, be safe, and protected from harm. NESA is committed to child safety and child safe practices underpinning our purpose of helping children and young people leave school, ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities and rise to its inevitable challenges. We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position. A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles.

Responsibilities

The Executive Officer will support the CEO, Executive Team, and Education Minister by delivering high-level strategic advice, leading communications, and coordinating initiatives to advance NESA’s objectives. Key duties include preparing strategic advice, quality-assuring complex communications, leading stakeholder engagement, and managing emerging issues.