AITSL is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse organisation. We strongly welcome and encourage interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. We also strongly welcome and encourage people with disabilities to apply for roles with AITSL.

About this role

The Senior Policy and Research Officer, ATWD Publications is integral to the delivery of a national education initiative, the Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) project.

The ATWD is building the evidence base that provides a comprehensive picture of the national teacher workforce in Australia. It provides critical insight on national and local trends in the challenges and opportunities facing the teaching workforce, helping us understand how we can better support the teaching profession through data-informed decision making and policy.

The role will support a range of data analysis, data translation and technical writing activities to contribute to the delivery of ATWD Publications. Working in a collaborative team environment, this role will lead and support the delivery of digital publications and reporting of ATWD data, with an outward facing user focus.

In this role, you will be responsible for the exploration and written interpretation of data to support the development of written publications, strategic policy advice and communication pieces, for use by governments and employers as well as teachers and leaders.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for confident and collaborative self-starter who loves to write and communicate about data insights. You will combine a sound understanding of policy and data with excellent writing and communication skills, to support the development of high quality, data-focused publications.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about supporting the teacher workforce through policy, with an interest in understanding policy-relevant data trends, distilling key messages and designing user-relevant data insights publications and resources to inform decision making and workforce planning. You will have the ability to communicate data through easy to understand, accurate and compelling data stories that drive action.

Ideally, you’ll have the following:

• Tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience in any of the following - education, public policy, public health, political science, psychological sciences or other relevant disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience working at the intersection of policy and data.
• Strong data literacy skills including conducting data analysis, and communication of results.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with superior attention to detail, identifying gaps in information and editing.
• Demonstrated ability to produce written interpretations of data and compelling data stories suited to different audiences.
• Skilled at creative and innovative thinking, to provide ideas and suggestions about how to present data in alternative ways to grow our audience and deliver high-quality, engaging content.
• Demonstrated analytical skills including the ability to:
  • work with data teams to facilitate plain language interpretations of ATWD findings.
  • interrogate data interpretations, to ensure they are concise and communicate the ‘big picture’.
  • distil key messages from data to inform decision making and policy, while assessing and mitigating the reputational risk of language and level of reporting.

• Demonstrated project management experience, with the ability to deliver quality outputs within tight and competing deadlines.
• Receptiveness to feedback and an agile approach to delivery of project outputs.

Desirable

1. Knowledge and experience in the education sector, or workforce policy in another industry.
2. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
3. Research background, experience with evidence synthesis and statistical output.
4. Strong data visualisation skills and experience.

About AITSL

AITSL is a Commonwealth company and not-for-profit based in Melbourne. We are funded by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is the sole member of the company, represented by the Minister for Education.

As a national body, AITSL was established to promote excellence in the profession of teaching and school leadership. We work with the education community to improve student learning in 3 main areas of focus:

• Initial teacher education: We provide support, resources and tools to help ensure that every pre-service teacher is classroom ready upon graduation.
• Quality teaching: We help teachers be the best they can be, and provide tools and resources to maximise their impact on student learning.
• Leadership: We help school leaders become highly effective by giving them the tools, resources, policies and practices needed to succeed in their important role.

We are governed by a constitution and an independent Board of Directors who bring diverse professional experiences and expertise in educational practice, and research to the work of the company. Visit: www.aitsl.edu.au for more information about AITSL.

How to Apply

For more information, view the full Position Description via the below link: here.

Applications must be submitted via seek and include a resume and cover letter addressing the key requirements of the position.

The shortlisting process will commence immediately so please send through your application as soon as possible!

Any queries can be directed to employment@aitsl.edu.au, using the subject line: Senior Policy & Research Officer - ATWD Publications enquiry via EthicalJobs.