Program Manager - Connected Community Schools

This is a fixed term, full-time position commencing October 2026 up until October 2028 with possible extension and/or permanency.

The Enterprise Governance and Partnerships Division drives high performance at a system level by providing senior leaders with visibility and assurance of system performance and improvement initiatives and confidence in the managing of key external partnerships. We do this by:

• developing and maintaining effective partnerships to support strategic alignment and positive relationships both within and external to the Department, including with higher and international education stakeholders;
• ensuring strategic responses and projects are delivered within expectations underpinned by quality project and program management methodologies;
• improving oversight of high-level strategic priorities and projects through increased visibility and quality assurance;
• aligning governance standards to the strategic significance and complexity of initiatives;
• supporting evidence-based decision making through effective use of intelligence and data

The Role

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? Are you ready to lead a reform project that genuinely changes lives? We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader to join us as the Program Manager – Connected Community Schools.

As Program Manager – Connected Community Schools – you will provide strategic leadership for the ongoing design, implementation and evaluation of the Connected Community School trial. You will lead a small team within the Department of Education to drive policy development, foster interagency partnerships and coordinate cross-government efforts, using project management methodology. You will also provide leadership and support to the four identified trial schools.

You will deliver results using your highly-developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, while building and maintaining effective relationships across all levels of the organisation and other agencies. Your critical and creative thinking skills will resolve issues and remove roadblocks and your well-developed organisational and time management skills and high attention to detail will ensure smooth and effective program management within tight timeframes.

Your flexible, professional writing style will ensure that all relevant stakeholders are briefed appropriately and kept informed as the project is implemented. This role is ideal for someone who wants to make a difference from within the system, who can balance passion for change with understanding of reality that ensures program delivery is pragmatic, streamlined, and aligned to an aspirational reform agenda.

This is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful reform that breaks down boundaries, working with families to design and deliver the support they need in their local communities.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Milanna Heberle, Executive Director Enterprise Governance and Partnerships on 0407 025 *** or by emailing ***************@education.wa.edu.au

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A four (4) page statement addressing selection criteria 1, 2, 3 and 5 as outlined in the attached JDF. The remaining criterion will be assessed during the selection process:

1. Implements and manages strategy

• translates strategy into operational goals and creates a shared sense of purpose within the business unit
• engages others in the strategic direction of the work area, encourages their contribution, and communicates expected outcomes
• considers the ramifications of a wide range of issues, anticipates priorities and develops long term plans for the work area
• understands objective, critical analysis and distils the core issues.

1. Achieves results

• evaluates ongoing project and program performance and identifies critical success factors
• establishes clear plans and timeframes for project implementation and outlines specific activities
• strives to achieve and encourages others to do the same
• monitors progress and identifies risks that may impact outcome and adjusts plans as required.

1. Builds productive relationships

• builds and sustains relationships with a network of key people internally and externally
• recognises shared agendas and works toward mutually beneficial outcomes
• brings people together and encourages input from key stakeholders.

1. Communicates and influences effectively

• confidently presents information in a clear, concise and articulate manner and translates information for others
• approaches negotiations with a strong grasp of key issues, having prepared well in advance
• anticipates the position of the other party and adapts approach accordingly
• encourages the support of relevant stakeholders

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 41***for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1057271

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 7 September 2026