Executive Director – Learning and Teaching

That’s why we offer world-class training and education that delivers the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Life-changing impact starts with an incredible team that sees their career as an opportunity to transform someone’s world. Whether that’s inspiring students, supporting each other, or helping our communities and industries flourish. 

We live by TAFE NSW values: Customer Focus, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. They define who we are, how we work, and inspire our performance.   

There has never been a more important time to shape the future of vocational education and training in NSW. As Australia's leading provider, TAFE NSW plays a critical role in developing the skilled workforce that supports industries, communities and the economy across the state.

Reporting to the Chief Learning and Teaching Officer, the Executive Director, Learning and Teaching leads educational delivery across a statewide portfolio, ensuring programs, services and partnerships continue to meet the evolving needs of learners, employers and industry. Balancing strategic leadership with operational excellence, you will oversee complex service delivery, drive innovation and educational excellence, and contribute to outcomes that have a lasting impact across NSW.

We are currently recruiting to three Executive Director, Learning and Teaching opportunities across:

• Agriculture, Transport and Manufacturing
• Digital, Business and Finance
• Equity, Foundation Skills, Aboriginal Culture and Language
  
  

As a member of the group leadership team, you will shape the future direction of your portfolio, strengthen partnerships across industry, government and community, and help ensure TAFE NSW continues to lead the way in vocational education and training.

You are an exceptional people leader who brings credibility, authenticity and influence to everything you do. Known for your ability to build trust, unite diverse stakeholders and navigate complexity, you create environments where people feel connected to a clear purpose and empowered to deliver their best. You lead with confidence, bring others with you through change, and consistently foster cultures of collaboration, accountability and high performance.

You bring extensive leadership experience within the vocational education and training sector, together with a strong understanding of the public sector environment. You have successfully led large-scale, complex service delivery functions, balancing educational excellence, operational performance and stakeholder expectations while remaining focused on outcomes that make a genuine difference for learners, industry and communities.

A strategic thinker with strong operational acumen, you are equally comfortable shaping long-term direction as you are delivering day-to-day results. You can see the bigger picture, anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities, and translate vision into practical action. Your ability to influence, build meaningful partnerships and drive sustained organisational performance sets you apart. Experience relevant to one or more of the advertised portfolio areas will be highly regarded.

To find out more about the role, click to view the Role Description.

TAFE NSW is committed to building a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Lead listed below.

• Your current resume; and
• A cover letter outlining how your capabilities, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role (1 page max.) 

Role-specific enquiries:
Contact Mark Hawkins, Chief Learning and Teaching Officer TAFE NSW, via email at Mark.L.Hawkins@tafensw.edu.au           

General recruitment and adjustment enquiries: 
Contact Kristie Taig, Talent Acquisition Lead, via email at kristie.taig2@tafensw.edu.au or phone 02 7921 3984.

For support with preparing your application and understanding the recruitment process, visit our Application Process page, and explore the helpful resources available through I Work for NSW.

This is a child-related position. Successful candidates must hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to commencing. TAFE NSW will also conduct an Australian National Criminal Record Check on the preferred applicant as part of the pre‑employment process.

To be eligible for a position at TAFE NSW, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport.

A talent pool, valid for 18 months, may be created for this position and used to fill future vacancies.

Location is negotiable across our TAFE NSW campuses. Please note that preferred campus location is not guaranteed and is subject to campus availability at the time of offer.

Considering a move to Regional NSW? The Welcome Experience is a free service offering personalised support to help you settle in, connecting you with local communities, essential services, and lifestyle opportunities.

Advertised: 12 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 25 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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