Lead a key division within the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, shaping strategy, strengthening governance and driving organisational excellence. The QCAA plays a central role in Queensland's education system, developing kindergarten guidelines and senior secondary syllabuses and supporting learning from kindergarten to Year 12. The QCAA delivers curriculum, assessment and reporting services that promote equity, excellence and lifelong learning. The QCAA seeks an executive leader to lead its Strategy, Planning and Corporate Support Division, providing strategic direction across a broad portfolio of corporate functions. This is an opportunity to influence organisational performance and strengthen the governance, financial, human resources, systems and services that underpin the QCAA's work and support Queensland's education community.

Job details

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director leads the QCAA's strategic planning, governance and corporate services functions.

Leading a diverse division comprising Corporate Services, Program Delivery and Strategic Engagement, you will provide oversight across a broad range of functions, including financial and human resource management, publishing, legal services, communications and administration.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will provide strategic analysis and advice to the CEO and Strategic Directions Group, helping navigate complex organisational issues, manage emerging risks and strengthen the agency's capability.

You will:

• Lead strategic planning, governance and corporate services across the QCAA, ensuring organisational priorities are supported by effective systems, processes and resources.
• Provide trusted strategic advice to the CEO and senior leaders on complex organisational matters, including risk, compliance, quality management, project management, business planning and organisational performance.
• Provide executive leadership across the Strategy, Planning and Corporate Support Division, fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Build productive relationships and strategic networks across the QCAA and with external stakeholders and Queensland Government agencies, promoting responsive, high-quality service delivery.
• Anticipate and lead responses to emerging issues and trends in corporate governance, public sector management, strategic human resource management, financial management, legal services, logistics, publishing, marketing and communications.
• Lead the responsible management of the QCAA's human, financial and physical resources, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and delivery within budget and delegations.
• Champion a customer-focused, inclusive and high-performing culture that values people, innovation and quality products and services.

About You

You are an accomplished executive leader with a strong track record of leading diverse corporate functions and delivering strategic outcomes in complex organisational environments.

You bring sound judgement, strategic insight and the ability to navigate competing priorities while maintaining focus on organisational performance, accountability and service excellence.

You will be recognised for your ability to:

• Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation, using evidence, insights and emerging trends to inform strategic direction and future practice.
• Make considered and ethical decisions, demonstrating sound judgement and understanding broader organisational and public sector contexts.
• Translate strategic priorities into tangible outcomes, maintaining accountability for performance, quality and delivery.
• Build trusted relationships and influence diverse stakeholder groups, communicating with credibility and navigating complex and competing perspectives.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering an inclusive workplace where collaboration, wellbeing and professional excellence are valued.
• Demonstrate strong corporate governance and risk management capability, ensuring organisational practices are contemporary, effective and aligned with public sector expectations.

You will bring the confidence and credibility to operate at the executive level, balancing strategic leadership with a practical understanding of the corporate functions that enable effective organisational operations.

Why This Role Matters

The QCAA has a direct impact on Queensland students, teachers, schools and the broader education community.

Behind high-quality curriculum and assessment services is a capable organisation, supported by effective governance, sound financial and people management, strategic planning and responsive corporate services.

As Executive Director, Strategy, Planning and Corporate Support, you will have the opportunity to:

• Shape the strategic direction and capability of an important Queensland statutory authority.
• Influence organisation-wide performance, governance and corporate service delivery.
• Lead a diverse portfolio of functions fundamental to the QCAA's effectiveness and sustainability.
• Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to navigate complex challenges and deliver strategic priorities.
• Contribute to quality education outcomes for Queensland students and communities.

This is an opportunity to bring your executive leadership experience, strategic perspective and commitment to public service to an organisation with an important role in Queensland's education system.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• QCAA Information for applicants (PDF, 205KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  ED SPCS Role Description_Sep 2026 (PDF, 176KB)
  Role Description