The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is seeking a Principal Analyst to join the Performance Analytics Unit. The Performance Analytics Unit is responsible for assisting the QCAA, our partners and stakeholders to maintain and improve the accuracy, consistency, quality and reliability of information received and reported by the QCAA. The unit collects, analyses and disseminates data to a range of organisations and the public.

Job details

What you will do

In the Principal Analyst role, you will:

• lead analytical design and development of QCAA activities, including the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), senior school assessment, Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• apply appropriate methodologies to conduct strategic analyses and produce reports, findings and recommendations (SQL, R, R Markdown, Power BI, Ruby on Rails, or LaTeX experience highly regarded)
• quality-control large-scale, complex datasets and databases for NAPLAN, senior assessment, reporting, and Senior Education Profiles
• facilitate analyses of marking operations and result calculation for NAPLAN, online assessment trials and senior subject external assessment
• lead data analysis and reporting using knowledge of statistics and educational measurement to provide advice to QCAA senior leadership, the QCAA board and external stakeholders
• work collaboratively with other teams to review and evaluate processes and procedures in data collection, analysis, management and reporting to ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness to evolving internal and external requirements.

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:

• Uses data and leverages technology to achieve greater efficiencies (stimulates ideas and innovation)
• Demonstrates flexibility to changing expectations by proactively adapting own approach to reflect new requirements (leads change in complex environments)
• Supports others by providing timely information within own area of expertise in an articulate and non-technical manner (builds enduring relationships)
• Demonstrates careful planning and organisation to achieve results (drives accountability and outcomes)
• Actively seeks feedback and modifies approach to enhance own effectiveness (pursues continuous growth).

How to apply

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

• a letter or statement (up to 2 pages maximum) that addresses the points outlined in the 'What we are looking for' section
• 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.

• QCAA Information for applicants (PDF, 205KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  AO7 Principal Analyst PAU - August 2026 (PDF, 173KB)
  Role Description