Department for Education
Job reference: 845254
Location: - VARIOUS -
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Department for Education is seeking to fill multiple Education Director positions providing leadership to multiple portfolios across South Australia.  

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for highly experienced, high achieving educational leaders with the ability to think strategically and analytically to deliver successful strategies and differentiated solutions.

Experienced educational leaders who are interested in this opportunity are encouraged to apply.

About the Role:

Education Directors have a key role in supporting, inspiring, motivating, and developing preschool and school leaders. As a conduit between central office and sites, the Education Director leads a collaborative Local Education Team (LET) that engages with and provides tailored support to leaders, understanding their context, to enable them to make informed decisions about planning, risk management, and engagement, both within the school and the broader community.

Education Directors work closely with both site and system leaders, supporting them to hold tight to our shared purpose while remaining flexible to respond to context. The Education Director is a system leader, activating strategic system support to lead learning and change processes aligned with our purpose and demonstrating our guiding principles.

About you:

• High levels of emotional intelligence, with the ability to build strong relationships, adapt your communication style, and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and a sound understanding of contemporary education research to identify innovative opportunities and drive system-wide improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in coaching and mentoring others to build capability, foster alignment, and motivate individuals and teams to achieve shared goals.
• A commitment to creating inclusive, supportive and high-performing cultures that prioritise wellbeing, growth and continuous development.
• Adaptability and agility in dynamic environments, with a collaborative mindset and a strong commitment to ongoing learning.
• Proven experience leading complex change initiatives, valuing diverse perspectives and building partnerships to deliver meaningful outcomes.
• Political and organisational acumen, with the ability to navigate complexity and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong resource management skills, with a focus on transparency, accountability and empowering teams to succeed.

Qualifications and competencies:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in an education field and relevant educational leadership experience.
• Ability to lead in a large and complex organisation at an executive level, ensuring the translation of priorities into executed deliverables.
• Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills with proven experience inspiring and leading others to create a shared sense of purpose and driving significant system change strategies.
• A demonstrated commitment to our purpose for public education in South Australia.
  
  

What you will get in return:

• A three-year executive contract
• Make a genuine difference by shaping public education and influencing leaders, teachers, children, families and communities.
• Be part of a professional network that values collective responsibility, teamwork, and creating safe, supportive spaces for education and families to thrive.
  
  

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to Caroline Fishpool, Lead Director, Conditions for Learning via tel: (08) 8226 0288, or email Caroline.Fishpool@sa.gov.au

Special Conditions:

The successful applicants are required to gain a Department of Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. 

The incumbents will be required to undertake Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care (RRHAN-EC) training course which will be required to be updated every three years. 

For all other special conditions refer to the Position Description.

Application Instructions:

Applicants are required to submit:

• A CV including contact details of 3 referees
• A cover letter (no greater than 1500 words) addressing the capabilities
• Application preference sheet outlining their preference for location.

All applications must be submitted through I Work For SA.

Applications close: 09/06/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- Education Director - Position Description May 2026 (A12333555).pdf
- Education Director - Preference Sheet May 2026 (A12333850).pdf
- 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.