Job Description

Are you an education professional with a strong understanding of Australian education systems and sectors? Do you have a track record of using your interpersonal skills to build and maintain productive partnerships? AERO is seeking a collegiate and strategic Senior Policy Analyst - Partnerships with a background in education organisations to develop and provide evidence-based advice on complex educational issues.

• Improving the use of evidence in education through strong partnerships
• Full time temporary contract until 31 January 2027
• Flexible location, work from home (Australia-wide)  

About The Organisation

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is Australia’s national education evidence body. AERO is working towards excellent and equitable outcomes for all children and young people by generating and making high-quality evidence accessible and enhancing the use of evidence in Australian education.

AERO is bringing together people who are passionate about evidence-informed policy and practice for schools and early childhood services. Our team is collegial, creative and committed to fulfilling AERO’s potential to make an impact. We value agile thinkers who can help shape AERO as a new, dynamic organisation, and team players who enjoy working across projects and in diverse, interdisciplinary teams. Many of our people have ongoing connections to research, policy and practice organisations, helping us to bridge the gaps between evidence generation, translation and adoption.

For more information about AERO, please see https://edresearch.edu.au

Purpose of the role

The role undertakes complex policy analysis and develops evidence-based advice to support education policymakers and key stakeholders in understanding and using evidence effectively. Building and maintaining partnerships with policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers, this role ensures high-impact evidence is accessible, relevant, and meets the needs of different policy contexts.

Through the development and management of direct partnerships, analysis and strategic collaboration, the role drives informed decision-making and system improvement across the education sector.

Accountabilities:

• Conduct advanced policy analysis, including investigating and critically analysing issues and opportunities relating to education.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximise the influence of AERO’s research on system programs and policies.
• Use AERO’s resources to provide high quality advice on a wide variety of issues in education.
• Prepare, convene and facilitate workshops for stakeholders, and implement effective follow-up to maximise stakeholder engagement and dissemination of AERO’s work.
• Prepare advice and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders that convey complex concepts and information in ways that are accessible and tailored to different audiences and purposes.
• Advise, support and collaborate with other AERO teams as required, with a particular focus on ensuring consistency and alignment with AERO’s strategic plan, workplan, vision and values.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential requirements:

• Tertiary qualifications and/or relevant experience in policy (preferably education policy), public administration and/or education.

Knowledge and experience:

• Excellent understanding of policy landscapes and policy frameworks and governance.
• Experiencein collaborating with a team to deliver complex, high-quality products under tight timelines with competing priorities.
• Ability to effectively maintain productive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners and researchers.

Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to create compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Highly-developed conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to translate technical and complex information concisely for diverse audiences.

Offering a competitive base salary starting at $116,222 (commensurate with skills and experience) plus 12% superannuation.

AERO welcomes applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

How to apply? 

Please submit an online application: 

• CV and a Cover Letter describing your interest in and suitability for the role addressing the skills and experience above. Please limit CV and Cover Letter to no more than three pages each.

Applications close

11.59pm Sunday 26 April 2026 (Sydney, AEDT)

Notes  

• Respectfully, no agencies please. 
• Please only apply for this role if you are an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or have unrestricted work rights in Australia. 
• Appointments are subject to a National Criminal Record Check (NCRC) and having or obtaining a current valid working with children check (WWCC). 
• If you require any additional information to above or have technical difficulties applying, please contact: recruitment@edresearch.edu.au 
• Please do not send applications to this email address, apply through advert.