Job description
Agency Department of Education and Training Work unit Early Childhood Strategic Policy
Job title Director Early Childhood Strategic Policy Designation Senior Administrative Officer 2
Job type Full Time Duration Ongoing
Salary $157,334 - $171,482 Location Darwin
Position number 27513 RTF 354640 Closing 07/09/2026
Contact Officer Tamie Devine, A/Director Early Childhood Operational Policy and Projects on 08 8999 5979 or
[email protected]
About the agency www.education.nt.gov.au www.industry.nt.gov.au
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=354640
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
The Director provides executive leadership in the development, implementation and management of local and national early
childhood policy, strategic advice, preparation of high level briefings and reports, and professional development that supports the
delivery of early childhood education and care programs.
Context statement
The Early Childhood branch provides high level leadership of strategic policy initiatives and targeted programs and support to
improve the quality and integration of early childhood services to maximise outcomes for children and young people in the Northern
Territory (NT). Early Childhood also leads local and national early childhood policy reforms and key projects, provides advice to the
Minister and the department’s senior executive, engages with a broad range of stakeholders to benefit our clients and includes the
NT regulatory authority, Quality Education and Care NT.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Contribute to the leadership team to ensure effective delivery of Early Childhood branch priorities and core business outcomes.
2. Apply high-level strategic, conceptual and analytical capability to navigate and influence complex political and organisational
environments
3. Develop and oversee implementation strategies for local and national policy reform agendas, including development and
coordination of key communication activities.
4. Provide policy advice and support to strengthen pedagogical practice across early childhood settings.
5. Oversee the reporting, monitoring, evaluation and coordination of early childhood education and care programs.
6. Strengthen alignment and continuity between early childhood programs and schooling systems through evidence-informed
approaches.
7. Build and maintain collaborative, productive relationships with key government and non-government stakeholders including
but not limited to Senior officers across this and other agencies, senior officers across other jurisdictions and the Australian
Government, Principals, Research and Consultancy organisations, and Indigenous representatives. Effectively manage complex
funding streams and contractual arrangements to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes, compliance requirements and value for
investment
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary national policy and legislative frameworks across the early childhood education
and care sector.
2. Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex government, interagency and community environment.
3. Highly developed interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence and engage
multiple stakeholders.
4. Proven ability to prepare timely, accurate and comprehensive written documents and analysis to inform decision making.
5. Demonstrated experience at a senior leadership level including development and implementation of strategic policies and
initiatives.
6. Demonstrated understanding of service delivery in remote Indigenous contexts to inform policy positioning.
Desirable
1. A relevant degree such as education, business, policy or public administration.
Further information
The selected applicant must hold a current NT Working with Children Notice (Ochre Card) and driver’s licence or the ability to
obtain prior to commencement.
