Why work with us
The Office for Early Childhood Development was created to champion change and to help build a system that gives all South Australian children a flying start to life.
Office for Early Childhood Development
Job reference: ******
Location: **** - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
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 cooperative 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.
Role Perks
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 versatile working arrangements to get that work life balance.
Remuneration
ASO8 - $130,046 - $134,956 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus superannuation.
Additional Note
This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.
Enquiries
Enquiries can be directed to [email protected]
Special Conditions
For all other special conditions please refer to the attached position description.
Applications close
Sunday 20 September **** at 11:45pm
Applications close: 20/09/2026 11:45 PM
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Aso8 Professional Practice Lead (Adelaide)
🏢 Office for Early Childhood Development
📍 Adelaide