Position vacancy - Policy Research Officer

Policy Research Officer

THE ORGANISATION:

The Australian College of Educators (ACE) is a unique national professional association representing educators across all stages and sectors of education.

The Education sector has 300,000 members from career entrants to School Principals and Deans of Education, and covers the public and private sectors. 

ACE provides the sector with diverse activities including advocacy on behalf of the profession of educators, the operation of state and regional groups of members, events management, preparation and distribution of publications.

Within the College we stimulate and support communities of practice, develop national, regional and local networks, provide high quality publications (hard copy and electronic), strongly support Branches and Regional Groups with their activities, and conduct and circulate research via our Foundation. Outstanding educators are recognised annually by the award of Fellow and the College Medal. These awards are among the most prestigious in the sector.

Purpose

The Australian College of Educators advances the education profession nationally across all sectors and levels for the individual and collective success of Australia's educators.

Goals

In advancing the education profession, ACE aims to:

• provide a strong national voice for the profession


• promote professional standards of a high order


• recognise excellence in professional practice


• foster the professional learning of educators


• enhance the status of the profession

Objectives

In pursuing these goals, ACE strives to:

• speak with authority on educational issues


• exercise ethical leadership of the profession


• enhance the professionalism of educators


• foster collegiality, cooperation and networking


• recognise and value highly accomplished teaching


• acknowledge outstanding contributions to education


• create unity among all sectors and levels of the profession


• facilitate continuous professional learning and improvement


• conduct and promote strategic research and development


• secure resources to sustain and extend the profession

THE POSITION:

Reporting to the CEO this position will monitor and interpret government policy and research related to Australian education in order to assist ACE to prepare responses to policy announcements.

The position will work closely with the CEO and Manager of Policy & Advocacy  to inform discussions within ACE that will help the College to identify and form policy positions.

The candidate will also monitor new research findings from government and NGOs and prepare summaries of findings for ACE publications and internal discussion papers.

You must be a strong team player and have excellent time management and organisational skills.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, education or a related field.


• Highly developed thinking & conceptual skills


• Ability to contribute to the development of policy proposals, briefs and submissions to inquiries.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a capacity to work with a range of people including CEO, colleagues, committee members and members of the board.


• Excellent writing skills with the ability to summarise complex information in plain English and the ability to deliver materials to a deadline are essential for this role.


• Knowledge of the Australian education sector and prior experience within the sector is desirable.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Proactively monitor and report on government education policy developments.


• Monitor and summarise new research findings on Australian education from government and non-government organisations.


• Monitor media commentary on Australian education.


• Keep abreast of forthcoming government policy announcements, report releases and inquiries.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This is a part time role suitable for a career entrant.

Initial 6 month contract with a view to permanency and increased hours.