Senior Government Liaison Officer

Senior Government Liaison Officer

For over 150 years, our schools, colleges, early learning centres and out of school care programs, have been an integral part of education in Western Australia. Together we form the state’s second-largest education provider, with more than 83,000 students relying on our nearly 14,000 dedicated staff each day. We are committed to fostering an environment where every child can achieve their full potential, and our office teams support schools to do exactly that.

The Role

The role of Senior Government Liaison Officer belongs to the Business Development team within the Office of the Executive Director. We have 5 office campuses across the state and this role will be based at the Leederville Office.

This is a part-time 0.5FTE ongoing position commencing as soon as practically possible.

As a Senior Government Liaison Officer, developing, maintaining, and strengthening strategic relationships between CEWA and federal, state and local government stakeholders. The role aims to influence policy, secure program funding, and elevate the organisation's profile to better serve the CEWA community. The role will work closely with the Executive Director as a conduit for information, policy submissions, and negotiations with political figures, advisors, and senior public servants.

The primary accountabilities for this role include but are not limited to:

• Build relationships with key political figures and government officials to influence policy and funding outcomes.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, and project teams, to ensure alignment and effective communication on government-related initiatives.
• Engage with external stakeholders such as community leaders, advocacy groups, industry representatives, and educational partners to promote organisational objectives and enhance the profile of CEWA.
• Lead lobbying efforts and develop policy submissions in collaboration with senior management.
• Represent CEWA at government and industry forums to advocate for business priorities and influence policy decisions.
• Monitor government policy and parliamentary proceedings to identify opportunities and risks.
• Track and communicate emerging trends in education policy, ensuring stakeholders are informed of relevant developments
• Prepare official correspondence, emails, and letters for key stakeholders, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and alignment with organizational messaging

Benefits of the role

• A competitive salary: Level M on the CEWA salary scale $202,719 - $227,298 (pro rata) per annum plus superannuation.
• Additional paid leave during office closures over Christmas and Easter.
• Free onsite parking.
• Corporate health insurance discounts.
• Access to the Fitness Passport program.
• Employee Assistance Program: access confidential counselling and wellbeing support for yourself and your family.
• Ongoing professional learning opportunities, including a CEWA scholarship program to support further education.
• Flexible work arrangements, where operationally appropriate.
• Wellbeing initiatives including annual flu vaccinations and workplace health checks.
• Parental leave provisions above statutory minimums.

Selection Criteria

A.   ESSENTIAL:

1. Prepared to support the Catholic ethos in the performance of their duties.
2. Demonstrated government relations or policy experience, with an existing network of political/departmental contacts.
3. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate policy positions and identify risks.
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice on complex issues.
5. Proven track record in building and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, community representatives, and internal teams.
6. High level of organizational and time management skills, with the capacity to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
7. Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality reports, policy recommendations, and briefing papers for senior leadership.
8. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
9. Sound knowledge of, or willingness to quickly acquire, relevant legislation, regulations and policies affecting Catholic education and non-government schools in Western Australia.

B.   HIGHLY DESIRABLE:

1. Postgraduate qualifications in education, public policy, or a related field.
2. Experience working within the Catholic education system or non-government schools.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT SPECIFIC TO THE POSITION

1. A current National Police History Check as issued by the Department of Education Western Australia.
2. Requirement to travel to regional and remote locations.
3. Out of hours work may be required on occasion to attend functions and events.
4. Possession of a C class drivers’ license.

Information for Applicants

To access a copy of the Position Description please click here: Position Description 

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter briefly addressing the selection criteria.
• A curriculum vitae outlining their employment history, qualifications and certifications and be able to provide a minimum of two professional references.

Applications for this role close no later than Tuesday 26 May 2026. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a suitable candidate is identified. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

If you require support with submitting your application, please contact our Talent Advisors at careers@cewa.edu.au. Applications can be submitted by clicking apply and uploading your application to our website. Please note that applications will not be accepted via email.

All employees of Catholic Education Western Australia are required to support the Catholic ethos in the performance of their duties. Catholic Education Western Australia also encourages applications from people of all cultural backgrounds, First Nations people, and individuals with disabilities or medical conditions who meet the requirements of the position. To be eligible to apply, you must be legally permitted to work in Australia.