Workplace/Industrial Relations Consultant/Solicitor

Independent Schools NSW is the peak body supporting and representing independent schools in NSW and provides a range of services across NSW and ACT. We believe in the excellence and opportunities that come with choice, diversity and independence in education and aim to serve and champion Independent schools.

The Workplace Management Team takes a problem-solving integrated approach to assisting schools to identify best practice options and flexible solutions in response to the challenges they face in relation to employment relations, work health and safety and child protection matters.
Position Purpose 
The Workplace/Industrial Relations Consultant contributes to the delivery of high-quality advice and support to member schools across a broad range of workplace and compliance matters. The role provides industrial, employment relations, privacy, contract and WHS advice, agreement interpretation, supports workplace investigations and agreement-making processes, and contributes to policy development and professional learning. Working within a team of 10, the Consultant helps schools navigate legal and regulatory frameworks by presenting risk-rated options aligned with their obligations as independent education providers.

The role also requires the capability to translate complex legal and compliance concepts into accessible, practical information for school audiences and to deliver that content with authority, credibility, and audience engagement. 

• Provide timely, pragmatic, and risk-rated options to member schools on matters including employment relations, industrial relations, and workplace health and safety, and in particular the Independent Schools NSW Multi Enterprise Agreements.
• Support the Workplace Management Team to research and interpret the legislative regime in which independent schools operate including providing the team with updates to the current industrial landscape.
• Assist in the development of draft policies and procedures to assist schools to comply with legislation and encourage best practice in all areas of risk and compliance.
• Assist member schools in the drafting, voting up and lodgement of sector wide multi-enterprise agreements and single enterprise agreements.
• Deliver presentations and training to member schools.
• Conduct workplace investigations (requires a Practicing Certificate or Certificate of Investigative Services CertIII).

Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge/Skills

Qualifications

•  Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Employee Relations or Law
• Current Practising Certificate (desirable).

What Experience are we looking for?

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in employment relations and/or industrial relations.
• Experience working in or with the education sector or a member-based organisation is advantageous.
• Certificate III in Investigative Services (or equivalent) is desirable, particularly for those undertaking workplace investigations.

What Knowledge/Skills are we looking for?

• Sound understanding of employment and industrial relations law, including the Fair Work Act, modern awards, and enterprise agreements.
• Knowledge of or willingness to develop expertise in child protection, family law, work health and safety and privacy legislation as they apply to independent schools.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound, practical advice using an options according to risk approach.
  
   
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters to non-legal audiences.
• High level interpersonal and stakeholder skills with a focus on service, discretion and professionalism.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and deliver engaging professional learning programs, workshops, and presentations to a variety of audiences, including school leaders, senior executives, and staff.
• Able to demonstrate presence, confidence, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with member schools, internal colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Capacity to assess competing risks and present balanced options aligned to member school needs.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills including maintain records.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite, in particular Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Essential

• A valid NSW Working with Children Check Clearance for paid employment.
• A current NSW Driver’s Licence
• Capacity to travel across metropolitan Sydney and beyond, including across NSW into regional areas, which involves being away overnight, at times for consecutive nights.

Desirable

• Understanding of the NSW independent school sector and the role of Independent Schools NSW as a peak body and member-based service organisation.

Application Process

Please provide the following:

• Resume
• Covering Letter.

Applications close Monday 24 August 2026.

Please direct any queries to Margaret Molloy, People and Culture Manager on 9248 3778 or ••••@aisnsw.edu.au