SAES1 Director, Improvement and System Support

Department for Education
Job reference: 853457
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us:

At the Department for Education in South Australia, we believe every child and young person deserves the foundation to thrive, and that starts with brilliant people like you. 

With over 30,000 dedicated professionals across the state, we lead the way in education through innovation, inclusivity and a shared sense of purpose.  

Whether you’re teaching in classrooms or supporting behind the scenes, you’ll be valued, challenged and fulfilled — all while shaping a brighter future for generations to come. 

About the role:

The Director, Improvement and System Support reports to the Lead Director, Professional Learning Networks and has a key role in supporting school leaders, education directors and local education teams in activating improvement as a lever for the realisation of Our Strategy for Public Education in every school and preschool.

The Director is responsible for leading the implementation and embedding of effective practices for school improvement across schools and preschools and providing high level direction in fostering and embedding a cycle of inquiry approach to improvement.

The Director is also a catalyst for system improvement, working with department divisions to ensure schools and preschools are supported in a way that is best for the learners within their context.

Essential qualifications and competencies:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in an education related field including post-graduate qualifications in an appropriate discipline and desirable or relevant experience.
• Experience leading in a large and complex organisation at an executive level, ensuring the translation of priorities into executed deliverables.
• You must have, or be able to obtain, a Department for Human Resources issued Working With Children Check

What you will get in return:

• A two year executive contract.
• Be part of the largest employer in the state, with great career and professional development opportunities.
• Be a part of a forward-thinking and dynamic team and enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Special Conditions:

The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN–EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years. 

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to A/Lead Director, Schools and Preschools, Cez Green, via tel 0409 453 *** or email: ***************@sa.gov.au

Application Instructions:

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Note:

This is a full-time contract role (1.0 FTE), initial 2 year contract commencing 23 January 2027

Applications close: 07/09/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- How to Apply Guide for Applicants.pdf
- Pre-Employment Declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.