Executive Director, People and Culture

• Strategic leadership opportunity
• Lead workforce strategy for 30,000 employees across 900 sites
• Contribute to educational outcomes in South Australia

The Department for Education, South Australia seeks an outstanding candidate to strategically lead the People and Culture function.  Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and leading a team of more than 250, the Executive Director will ensure effective HR operational practices and the implementation of human resource strategies and initiatives that support the range of sites in the Department with the right people in the right place at the right time; workforce development; and creating an enabled working environment so that everyone can thrive.

In addition to departmental responsibilities, this position also contributes at a whole of government level to shape and influence workforce strategy (locally and nationally) and works closely with the Minister’s office to provide advice and input to the vision, strategic goals, objectives, and priorities, and contributes to effective governance of HR reform within the wider public sector reform.

With a track record in executive leadership in a large and complex organisation, the preferred candidate will bring strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to influence and inspire through collaboration.  The successful candidate will have a proven track record in managing high-volume HR operations, specifically recruitment, along with leading transformation, shaping reforms and working at scale to drive a range of service improvement projects in a fluid environment.  Outstanding skills in stakeholder engagement and management will facilitate effective working relationships at the highest levels, both internally and externally.

The ideal candidate will bring a solid understanding of education policy and industrial frameworks, contemporary HR systems and robust WHS practices, in addition to appropriate tertiary qualifications.

This role is suited to a high performing individual who is curious and motivated to play an important role in developing a workforce and a work culture that provides world-leading public education outcomes, enabling students to learn and thrive.

The Organisation

The Department for Education aims to ensure South Australia’s public education system can unlock every child’s potential, now and in the future.

Educators and staff work in partnership with families and communities to nurture, develop and empower all South Australian children and young people with the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to become fulfilled individuals, active, compassionate citizens and lifelong learners.  South Australian preschools and schools are the heart of local communities, providing a safe, inclusive and collaborative place where every child and young person is encouraged to contribute and develop positive relationships.  Students’ needs, interests and cultures are recognised and supported, and they are given a say in their learning.  The Department are relentless in their ambition for all children and young people to enter the world beyond the classroom, ready to learn and to create opportunities to live a satisfying and fulfilling life of their choosing.

For more information about the Department, visit:  education.sa.gov.au.

To apply: Please click on ‘Apply now’ using reference DESesp0923, addressing your cover letter and resume to Sharyn Gowans, or call 1300 347 437 (Australia) or +61 3 9016 6000 for further information.