The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is seeking a Director to lead the Learning Areas Branch. The Learning Areas Branch is responsible for the coordination of activities related to implementing senior curriculum and assessment processes. This includes leadership of ongoing professional learning and training, internal assessment quality assurance processes, school engagement and cyclical evaluation of syllabus implementation, and the development of high-quality external assessment instruments. The branch also develops teaching and learning resources to support schools with implementing syllabuses and external assessment, and learning programs designed to build teacher assessment literacy capacity.

Job details

What you will do

In the Director role, you will:

• Provide strategies and expert advice to executive and senior management regarding the development, interpretation and implementation of policies and strategic plans involving curriculum, syllabuses, standards, assessment, moderation and the processes leading to senior certification.
• Provide strategic leadership, direction and management of the implementation of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) that encourages quality management practices, continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration.
• Direct and supervise the work of a large team that includes learning area managers, principal education officers, and senior education officers in delivering and evaluating the activities associated with the development of high-quality curriculum and assessment products and services.
• Lead and direct the efficient and effective use of the branch's human, physical and financial resources within budget allocations and delegations.
• Oversee the development and implementation of new policy initiatives and strategies to support continuous improvement of curriculum and assessment products and services.
• Maintain and promote an environment of cooperative endeavour and partnership with schools and other relevant stakeholders to support the effective implementation of senior curriculum and assessment products.
• Establish and maintain strategic, consultative networks across QCAA, the broader education community, peak advisory groups, subject associations, and other statutory authorities.
• Prepare, coordinate and present submissions, speeches, briefings and responses to sensitive correspondence.
• Monitor and provide advice on national and international initiatives concerning curriculum, learning, assessment, reporting and policy.
• Lead and model a change management and performance development culture by participating in regular two-way feedback discussions

Reporting relationships

This role reports to the Executive Director, Curriculum Services. Six roles report directly to this role.

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:

• Clearly translate organisational strategy into operational goals, shaping a clear vision for the future of senior curriculum and assessment in Queensland; critically anticipating and addressing core issues for schools and stakeholders in implementing senior curriculum and assessment products and services (leads strategically).
• Successfully lead and manage the implementation of state-wide policies and processes; be flexible and responsive to uncertainty and change; marshal and capitalise on the knowledge and expertise within the organisation and external partners (leads change in complex environments).
• Bring key stakeholders together and develop effective and sustainable partnerships; encourage and motivate learning behaviours with those you lead internally and externally (develops and mobilises talent).
• Model a professional, impartial and principled approach to their work and embrace challenging opportunities with a focus on innovation and creativity (pursues continuous growth).

How to apply

Please read the information in this document and the Information for Applicants document. Your application should include:

• a letter (up to 2 pages maximum) telling us why you are interested in this role, what you'll bring to the role and what you'll get out of it
• your résumé (up to 3 pages) that details your qualifications and experience, and the names of two work-related referees, one of which should be your immediate supervisor.

Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and use at least 11-point font size.

Apply online at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au.

If you have technical difficulties or to discuss reasonable adjustment options, please email peopleandculture@qcaa.qld.edu.au.

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.

• Role Description _ SO Director Learning Areas Branch_July 2026 (PDF, 176KB)
  Role Description
  
  QCAA Information for applicants (PDF, 205KB)
  Information Package for Applicants