About this role:
The Professional Practice Lead provides strategic pedagogical leadership and expert advice to shape the design and implementation of early childhood development reform initiatives across South Australia, aligned with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.
Working collaboratively across Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) the Professional Practice Lead will draw on significant knowledge and experience in early childhood education, pedagogy and curriculum, including strategic use of data and evidence-based research.
The Qualified Practice Lead will support the design and implementation of policy, projects, change initiatives and sector resources to support the achievement of organisational reform objectives and priorities, in collaboration with Project Leads and Local Teams.
Your Key Responsibilities:
Provide pedagogical leadership and expert advice across relevant OECD business areas
Promote and facilitate a networked approach to pedagogical leadership, including through internal and external networks
Provide insights, through data analysis, expert advice and evidence-based research, to inform the development implementation, and evaluation of policy and project deliverables
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of policy, programs and projects.
Lead the development of early childhood and professional practice skills and knowledge of the team, office and the sector
About you:
You are a strategic and innovative leader with extensive experience driving complex projects, programs and policy initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes. With a deep understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Framework and the broader early years landscape, you bring expertise in curriculum development, mentoring educators, and fostering continuous improvement. You are highly skilled in analysing complex policy issues, conducting research, and developing evidence-based advice that informs decision-making and supports sector reform.



A confident and collaborative communicator, you excel at building strong stakeholder relationships, influencing diverse audiences, and translating complex information into clear, compelling messages. You thrive working both autonomously and as part of a team, managing competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes aligned with strategic, policy and government priorities.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who brings:
Extensive leadership experience in effectively influencing and managing a range of concurrent projects and programs
Detailed knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Framework with extensive experience in leading curriculum development, mentoring and coaching early childhood teachers and educators, and engaging in reflective practice and continuous improvement in teaching methods.
Extensive experience in analysing and evaluating complex and sensitive policy issues and conducting high level research to develop policy advice under broad direction.
Detailed understanding of the early years sector, including the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and non-government stakeholders and the key players likely to influence outcomes.
A role with real influence and impact in government policy.
Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector
Work with senior officials across government and early childhood sectors.
Be part of an agency with a clear mission to improve the lives of South Australia's children and families.
Access to
valuable salary sacrifice benefits
like car leases, portable electronic devices, mobile phones, airline lounge memberships, self-education expenses, and more. Ask us about how you can
make your salary go further
working at the OECD.
Access to flexible working arrangements to
get that work life balance
.
Remuneration:
Additional Note:
This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.
For all other special conditions please refer to the attached position description.
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📌 Professional Practice Lead (Adelaide)
🏢 Office for Early Childhood Development
📍 Adelaide