We’re on the hunt for a Principal Evaluation Officer who’s equal parts analytical mastermind, systems thinker and storytelling wizard. You’ll lead evaluations that actually matter, helping us understand what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just noise. Want to help us make better decisions, backed by brilliant evidence and a touch of flair? Apply now — and let’s make evaluation fun again.

Job details

What you will do

• Provide expert advice and coaching across the business to a range of stakeholders, including managerial staff and executive leadership, to support evaluation projects/activities. 
• Lead the use of evaluation across the QCAA through the embedding of evidence-led and research-based decision-making practices to support quality and service improvement initiatives.
• Provide expert advice to the Director (including the development of briefs and reports) on issues related to the high-level evaluation agenda, emergent issues that may require innovative and targeted responses, and responses to national and international trends and practices in Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, assessment, and certification.
• Lead the conduct and commissioning of evaluation projects and formulation of recommendations to support evidence-based planning and decision making on matters relating to contemporary curriculum, assessment and credentialling practices and trends and future issues.
• Contribute to the program management function of the QCAA to oversee, monitor and report upon the implementation of recommendations from internal and external reviews, audits and evaluations.
• Engage in opportunities to position QCAA as a thought leader in curriculum, assessment, and education practices (including the publication of articles and conference presentations as relevant).
• Liaise with external stakeholders including key tertiary institutions and relevant evaluation partners to establish and foster relationships that further the strategic objectives of QCAA.
• Implement and execute activities that encourage participation, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, equity and inclusiveness.

What we are looking for

The QCAA is committed to selecting the person best suited to the role and to furthering equity and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from all gender groups, Aboriginal people, Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with all abilities.

The ideal candidate for this role:

• Gains insight into issues by analysing the available information in a critical manner (makes insightful decisions)
• Drives new thinking by encouraging others to share and debate ideas and data-driven, creative solutions (stimulates ideas and innovation)
• Supports others by providing timely information within own area of expertise in an articulate and non-technical manner (builds enduring relationships)
• Takes personal accountability for learning, and eagerly pursues new knowledge and experiences (pursues continuous growth)
• Demonstrates respect and appreciation for legislation and policy frameworks by consistently operating to key standards (demonstrates sound governance).

The ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate the following technical capabilities:

• Knowledge and expertise in designing and conducting evaluations to influence policy and practice within time, budget and other constraints.
• Experience designing and implementing evaluation capability building activities.
• Experience using multiple, complementary methods and collaborating with internal and external teams to design and implement rigorous evaluation projects.
• Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, current and emerging curriculum and assessment issues, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence and academic integrity.

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, 215KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  AO7 Principal Evaluation Officer_2025 (PDF, 154KB)
  Role Description