The Principal Project Officer provides strategic advice on governance, resource management and business operations at Gatton State School, leading business improvement initiatives to strengthen service delivery, cost effectiveness and organisational performance.

The role also develops communication strategies and executive reports, reviews systems and processes, advises on emerging governance issues, leads project teams, and coordinates staff training and professional development in corporate governance, finance and business operations.

About us:

Located in the heart of the Lockyer Valley, just 30 minutes from Toowoomba and around an hour from Brisbane, Gatton State School offers the perfect blend of regional lifestyle and qualified opportunity. As the host site for this unique role, Gatton State School provides a welcoming and supportive environment where relationships, collaboration and community are highly valued.

Working as part of a dedicated team, you will have the opportunity to build strong partnerships with education, health and community stakeholders across the Darling Downs South West region. You'll be supported by a culture that values innovation, continuous learning and meaningful outcomes for children and families, while enjoying the benefits of a connected regional community and ongoing professional development opportunities.

This unique role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful systems-level change by building the capability of the workforce that supports Queensland's children and families. Reporting to the Principal, Gatton State School, you will work across sectors to influence practice, strengthen partnerships and contribute to improved outcomes for children in the critical early years of development.

Your opportunity:

As the Principal Project Officer you will:

- Lead workforce capability initiatives that strengthen neuro-informed,



relational and evidence-informed practice across the early years sector.
- Influence systems-level change by connecting research, professional learning and collaborative practice to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Foster a shared understanding of child development, wellbeing and resilience across education, health and community sectors.

Responsibilities include:

- Developing and maintaining effective partnerships and networks across education, health, community and family support sectors.
- Facilitating professional learning and capability-building opportunities that promote neuro-informed, relational and strengths-based approaches.
- Supporting the implementation of evidence-informed tools, resources and practices across diverse settings.
- Establishing and nurturing communities of practice that strengthen collaboration, shared learning and continuous improvement, within the already existing Thriving Lockyer Kids initiative.
- Preparing project documentation, monitoring emerging research and trends, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to support the successful delivery and sustainability of the Childhood Builders initiative.

Interested? To Apply:

- Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
- A 90 day action plan: A brief outline of their first 90 days in the role
a. Key relationships they'd prioritise
b. Information they'd want to gather
c. Risks and opportunities
d. Early wins
e. Longer-term capability-building approach
- Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

📌 Principal Project Officer - Gatton State School (Darling Downs)
🏢 Queensland Department of Education
📍 Darling Downs