This is a Department built entirely for children and young people, their families and their communities. Our ultimate goal is to work together to ensure that every child and young person in Tasmania is known, safe, well and learning.

Children are at the heart of everything we do and the way we do it.

• Provide strategic leadership across all People and Culture functions ensuring a valued and capable workforce aligned to the Department’s Strategic Plan.

• Champion and lead the further development of a values-based culture across the whole of agency, growing the leadership capability of the senior workforce and supporting the next generation of leaders.

• Position the organisation to meet current and future workforce challenges, lead portfolio reform and implement innovative policies, technology, and frameworks.
• Advocate and represent the Department through strong stakeholder engagement effectively communicating the Agency’s interests.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our Executive Team as Deputy Secretary.  ‘A strong and sustainable workforce’ is a key Agency priority and the People and Culture portfolio is critical to the success of achieving this.

DECYP is the second largest agency in the Tasmanian government, with a workforce of 13,000 employees, including teachers, library staff, child safety and youth justice workers, corporate and support professionals.

This Office will bring a cohesive approach to leadership across talent attraction and acquisition, career pathways, employee development, industrial compliance, safety and wellbeing, and it has clear accountability to support our broader agency workforce.

The Deputy Secretary of People and Culture will provide strategic leadership over the agency’s workforce approach at a system and individual level, enhancing the Department’s ability to deliver its strategic plan by driving organisational change and embedding the organisation’s values and culture.

The role is crucial in providing authoritative advice and recommendations relating to workforce risks, opportunities, and compliance matters. It will lead change and transformation projects to ensure the Department takes a contemporary approach to its people and culture service delivery, staff safety, wellbeing and inclusion.

Success in the role will see you have extensive experience in strategic leadership, workforce management and leading all people and culture functions across a diverse and complex environment. You will be a transformative leader, always staying at the forefront of contemporary workforce trends and industry best practice standards. You will advocate for the Department and our people in complex negotiations in a politically challenging environment where an understanding of public sector governance is crucial.  Driving systemic change will be critical. This will be supported by your contemporary people management and leadership qualities that actively demonstrate collaboration, inclusiveness and promoting a high performing culture.

If this role interests you, please contact Sue McKerracher, Deputy Secretary People and Culture at sue.mckerracher@decyp.tas.gov.au or via 0404 456 749.

Period of Appointment

ASAP for 5 years

Hours per fortnight

73.5 hours per fortnight

Essential Requirements

• Current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status - Employment).

• The Head of the State Service has determined that the person nominated for this job is to satisfy a pre-employment check before taking up the appointment, on promotion or transfer. The following checks are to be conducted:

1. Conviction checks in the following areas:
   1. crimes of violence
   2. sex related offences
   3. serious drug offences
   4. crimes involving dishonesty
   5. serious traffic offences
2. Identification check
3. Disciplinary actions in previous employment check

Desirable Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications
• A senior executive with a proven record of management in a large private or public sector organisation.

Statement of Duties and a reference guide to assist with applying online can be found here:

Statement Of Duties (PDF)

The State Service Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework should also be used to assist in the preparation of any application. 

Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework

How to apply

Electronic submission of application is preferred, please click the 'Apply Now' button.

Applicants should forward/include:

• a 1–2-page short form application addressing the selection criteria;
• a resume that contains relevant personal details and work history.

NOTE:

1. All applications must include a valid email address for delivery of acknowledgement and other correspondence.

Applications should be made via the Apply Now button and submitted online by 11.30pm AEDT on the advertised closing date.

Applicants will receive an automatic email confirmation when an application is successfully received.

Should you have any difficulties regarding applying for this vacancy online, please contact Department for Education, Children and Young People, HR Recruitment and Employment via phone +61 3 6165 6285 or email recruitment@decyp.tas.gov.au. 

Applicants needing more information are encouraged to request specific details of the vacancy from the Contact Person.

Name: Sue McKerracher
Title: Deputy Secretary People and Culture
Phone: 0404 456 749
Email: sue.mckerracher@decyp.tas.gov.au