Principal Education Officer

Role overview

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is looking for a Principal Education Officer to join its Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) Unit in Brisbane. This unit develops the detailed, sensitive processes and systems needed to administer AARA successfully for students completing senior assessment in Queensland schools. In this position, you will review specific AARA approaches in the context of Queensland schools and education sectors.

Key duties

• Oversee the internal workflows used to manage QCE and NAPLAN AARA applications, decisions and appeals, and prepare consolidated documentation to support consistent AARA practice.
• Serve as a contact point for AARA-related questions and work with government and non-government education agencies, parents, parent groups, medical representatives, schools, disability advocates and other stakeholders on assigned projects.
• Lead project teams and draw on school experience to develop professional resources that meet the needs of Queensland teachers, aligned with current data and QCAA initiatives.
• Design and deliver professional learning to schools as part of a team, including face-to-face training, information sessions and webinars.
• Provide specialist advice to managers and directors within the division on relevant issues.
• Build strategies that strengthen QCAA staff understanding of AARA processes and improve the organisation’s ability to respond to enquiries and requests.
• Draft briefings, submissions, policy papers and correspondence as needed, and keep the manager regularly informed with advice and updates.

What the ideal candidate brings

QCAA is focused on appointing the best-fit candidate while promoting equity and diversity. Applications are strongly encouraged from all gender groups, Aboriginal people, Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with all abilities.

• Strategic thinking with attention to the wider system purpose.
• Ability to generate insights and welcome new ideas to improve practice.
• Comfort working through change, complexity and ambiguity with a steady, optimistic approach.
• Strong accountability, professionalism, persistence and transparency in delivering quality outcomes.
• Sound governance and risk awareness.
• High capability in stakeholder engagement, authoritative advice, policy development, resource management and performance improvement.

How to apply

Applicants should read the attached role description and the Information for Applicants document before applying. The application must include a cover letter or statement of up to 2 pages addressing the selection points in the “What we are looking for” section, plus a résumé of up to 3 pages listing qualifications, experience and the names of two work-related referees, including your immediate supervisor where possible.

All documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format and use a minimum 11-point font size. Applications are to be submitted online. If you experience technical issues or want to discuss reasonable adjustment options, contact peopleandculture@qcaa.qld.edu.au.

Additional information

Occupational group: Education & Training.

Equity and diversity

The organisation states that it is committed to equity and diversity and welcomes applications from all gender groups, Aboriginal people, Torres Strait Islander people, culturally diverse communities and people with all abilities.