Senior Policy Officer

About this role

The NSW Early Learning Commission (Commission), established as the independent regulator for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in New South Wales on 1 December 2025, is responsible for regulating more than 6,000 ECEC services across the state. Our role is to ensure services meet high standards of safety, quality, and compliance through ongoing assessment, monitoring and enforcement. The Commission places children at the centre of all decision-making, working to ensure they are safe, respected, and supported to thrive in high-quality early learning environments that promote their development, wellbeing, and lifelong learning. It also drives continuous improvement across the sector through evidence-informed regulation and reform to strengthen community confidence in ECEC services. The Commission respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. * Ongoing Full-Time to opportunity to be part of a team committed to delivering safe and positive outcome for children * Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available * Salary ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 p.a. plus superannuation and annual leave loading About the role As a Senior Policy Officer, you will lead a close-knit team in a high-impact, high-profile role that directly support safe, high-quality education and care outcomes for children. You will manage the design, review and implementation of regulatory policy and strategy. You will also: * Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to inform and consult on regulatory policy * Provide strategic, evidence-based advice to senior executives to deliver best practice regulation * Develop practical policy and strategy aligned with legislative and legal frameworks and applicable to real-world scenarios * Provide guidance and build staff capability to support implementation of new policies and procedures. For further information please click here to view the role description About you The Senior Policy Officer is a strategic regulatory policy leader with demonstrated experience guiding a team and driving impactful policy and change. You bring a holistic approach to regulatory policy, ensuring alignment with legislation, legal framework and broader reforms. You will also bring: * Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills with ability to build strong relationships and manage competing expectations * Proven analytical and problem-solving skills to design and implement regulatory policy * A strong willingness to take initiative and develop solutions to problems * A strong genuine interest in understanding regulatory policy with willingness to read, interpret and apply legislation and regulations * A self-starter mindset and willingness to learn and grow in a challenging and fast-paced environment. * Understanding of machinery of Government processes. Essential requirements of the role * Experience in state or federal government policy and legislative development. * Relevant tertiary qualifications, such as Law, Early Childhood Teaching, and/or Communications. * Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education. Benefits * Flexible working arrangements * 35 hour working week * Competitive pay, 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 also required to provide responses to the two pre-screening questions below, as part of the online application process: Question 1 Describe a complex policy problem that you’ve been asked to provide advice on. What was your approach and what was the outcome? (max 400 words) Question 2 Tell me about a time when you collaborated with others to progress a policy outcome? How did you plan your approach, manage different views and what was the outcome? (max 400 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’. 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. 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 03 August 2026 at 11:59pm. For role enquiries please contact Kathy Gray at Kathy.Gray5@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Jenny Nguyen at jenny.nguyen199@det.nsw.edu.au 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 (youbelong@det.nsw.edu.au) 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.