Manager, Strategic Planning
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
- Located in Eveleigh with flexible working arrangements available
- Competitive salary of $154,231 - $178,369 pa plus superannuation and leave loading
About the role
School Infrastructure is delivering new school buildings, major upgrades and maintenance strategies to ensure every school-aged child has access to high quality education facilities at their local public school. This encompasses the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Our Strategic Planning team works with government agencies, local councils, developers and internal stakeholders to ensure future school infrastructure is considered in the planning of growing communities across NSW. The team leads strategic planning and placemaking initiatives that support housing growth, shape future precincts and help deliver schools where they are needed most.
For further information please click here to view the role description
Primary purpose of the role
As the Manager, Strategic Planning, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of school infrastructure across NSW. Working across a complex landscape of urban growth, housing development and precinct planning, you'll lead strategic planning and placemaking initiatives that ensure future school infrastructure needs are embedded in the planning of growing communities.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic planning and placemaking strategies that respond to NSW Government housing policies, urban growth and precinct development priorities.
- Provide expert strategic planning advice to senior executives, using evidence, research and data analysis to inform decision-making, identify risks and shape future infrastructure priorities.
- Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with government agencies, local councils, developers, community groups and internal stakeholders to influence planning outcomes and support effective consultation and engagement.
- Develop innovative recommendations and strategic solutions to address future school infrastructure needs, maximise opportunities through precinct planning and support the delivery of sustainable communities.
- Lead, coach and develop the Strategic Planning team, while preparing high-quality briefings, reports and communications to support strategic outcomes and stakeholder engagement.
About you
- An experienced strategic planner with expertise in strategic planning, strategic asset planning or urban planning, and a track record of delivering complex planning outcomes.
- Proven ability to influence complex outcomes through strong stakeholder partnerships and collaboration.
- Experienced in providing strategic advice, navigating ambiguity and resolving complex planning challenges.
- Strong people leader who builds capability and drives strategic outcomes in a dynamic environment.
- 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
- Extensive strategic planning experience involving urban design and public space.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Strategic or Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture or a related field and/or demonstrated equivalent professional experience.
- Flexibility to travel to state-wide locations, as required.
- A current and valid driver’s licence.
- 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.
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,
All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’.
Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.
As a condition of employment, successful candidates not currently employed by the Department must provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance number. Renewal is not required after the WWCC expires, as long as you remain in a non–child-related role. Employer obligations only apply while the WWCC is valid.
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: 20 August 2026 at 11:59pm.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.
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.
