Principal Project Officer

About the role

The Principal Project Officer (AO7) leads high‑profile reform initiatives that improve outcomes for children and young people in care. This senior position requires strategic thinking, strong problem‑solving abilities and the capacity to manage complex, iterative projects in a fast‑moving environment.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and deliver complex projects that support broader reform programmes, developing detailed project plans, timelines and deliverables.
• Monitor and manage risks, issues and dependencies, escalating matters as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
• Apply systems thinking to policy and program design, conducting research and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to inform leadership decisions.
• Prepare and present high‑quality reports, briefings and presentations for internal and external audiences, including senior executives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, facilitating co‑design workshops, working groups and consultation processes.
• Represent the organisation in meetings, forums and working groups, ensuring alignment with reform objectives.
• Lead governance activities for reform initiatives, ensuring compliance with relevant frameworks, policies and procedures.

Required profile

• Strategic, systems‑thinking mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent time‑management skills and ability to juggle competing priorities.
• Proactive attitude, seeking guidance and solutions when challenges arise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills adaptable to diverse audiences.
• Resilience, humility and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Preferably knowledgeable about Queensland’s Child Safety system.

Required skills

• Project planning and delivery methodologies.
• Risk and issue management.
• Research and data analysis (quantitative and qualitative).
• Report writing and presentation development.
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
• Governance and compliance processes.