Program Manager

About us Education Services Australia (ESA is a national not-for-profit company owned by the state, territory and Australian Government education ministers. ESA works collaboratively with education agencies and service providers to provide technology-based services for the Australian education and training sector. The National Schools Interoperability Program (NSIP) at ESA develops high-quality interoperability products and services that help students, teachers, parents, and policymakers access the information they need. NSIP drives a secure, effective digital learning ecosystem for schools by enabling nationally consistent approaches to managing and exchanging education data. This includes initiatives such as Safer Technologies 4 Schools (ST4S), which promotes a national approach to assessing privacy and security risks in ICT products and services used in schools. Further information is available at www.nsip.edu.au Why work with us Work for a NFP that provides true impact for students, teachers, parents and carers Flexible working policy – 40% of your week in the office 35 hour week – standard Australian work week is 38 hours Office in a convenient location in the heart of the CBD Learn more about life at ESA here: Careers at ESA | Help shape the future of education About the role We’re seeking a Program Manager on a 12-month maternity contract to be responsible for the oversight and implementation of Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) initiative and other related products & services to ESA's clients and stakeholders. You'll lead national and international collaboration on NSIP initiatives, driving data mobility and safer technology use in education, and engaging with key bodies on data, interoperability, security, and privacy standards. Your focus is to: Lead and develop a high-performing team of seven delivering national education technology initiatives, including ST4S, Interoperability, and AI in Schools. Oversee program planning and delivery, ensuring strategic alignment, effective risk management, and delivery within budget. Drive development and implementation of key products such as ST4S and Responsible AI in Schools, and position interoperability solutions for national adoption. Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Australian Government, state and territory education departments, Catholic and independent school sectors, and international standards bodies. Represent the program through reporting, proposals, and advisory groups, including acting as secretariat for the National Education Digital Leadership Advisory Group (NEDAG). Engage and negotiate with national and international stakeholders to secure support for strategy, deliverables, and timelines. Who we're looking for You have proven ability to manage senior stakeholders’ relationships, with experience in government environments highly regarded You have strong organisational skills with ability to manage complex, concurrent tasks under tight deadlines. You have proven leadership and collaboration skills; builds trust and motivates teams. You have excellent influencing, negotiation, and change management capability. You have extensive experience in business process documentation across organisations. You are a skilled communicator with ability to build high-level relationships on national projects. You have the ability to engage effectively with both business and technical specialists. Desirable Understanding of cyber security and privacy principles Familiarity with data standards, interoperability, AI ethics and risks, and voluntary industry codes of practiceExperience applying standards and architectures to enable data and process interoperability across sectors Background working with public sector agencies, education software companies, and international standards organisations. What ESA offer At ESA we want everyone to succeed, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, physical ability or age. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In addition to a competitive remuneration package, ESA offers lifestyle benefits and a culture that allows people and ideas to flourish. Application Process If you have strong project management experience but don't feel that your skills match all that's required above, we would still love to hear from you. Please send your resume and cover letter through.