Careers at TAFE NSW

Lead Instructional Designer (Aboriginal Identified)

Location Negotiable across NSW (subject to campus availability)

Permanent Full-time

Total Remuneration Package: $176,480. Package includes salary of $155,486 plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

At TAFE NSW, we are dedicated to life-changing impact.

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 shape 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.   

We invest in our people

At TAFE NSW, you will discover a diverse, dynamic, and collaborative environment, where you can innovate, create value, and do meaningful work.

We provide you with tools, ongoing training and professional development, health and wellbeing programs, a 35-hour working week with a variety of flexible working options.

About the role

The Lead Instructional Designer (Aboriginal Identified) plays a critical leadership role in the design, development and quality assurance of vocational education courses across TAFE NSW. Working within the Course Development and Quality Branch, this role oversees the day‑to‑day operations of a course development team, ensuring learning resources are delivered on time, meet regulatory and quality standards, and respond to learner, industry, community and organisational needs.

With a strong focus on culturally responsive education, the role leads the development of course content that respectfully integrates Aboriginal histories, cultures and ways of knowing, working in close partnership with key stakeholders and internal teams. Operating in a high‑volume, dynamic environment, the Lead Instructional Designer provides expert guidance on contemporary instructional design practice, drives continuous improvement and innovation, and supports the consistent application of inclusive, accessible and effective learning design across a range of delivery models. The role is based state-wide, with campus location negotiable, and may require travel across NSW to support collaboration and engagement.

About You

You are an Aboriginal education professional with proven experience leading instructional design initiatives in complex, large‑scale learning environments. You bring strong expertise in adult learning principles, curriculum design and quality‑driven course development, along with the ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and balance competing priorities while maintaining high standards.

Recognised for your collaborative and culturally grounded approach, you build trusted relationships, communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders, and apply sound judgement when resolving complex design and operational challenges. You are motivated by creating meaningful, culturally safe learning experiences and by leading teams to deliver education that makes a tangible difference for Aboriginal learners, communities and the broader NSW workforce.

To succeed in this role, you will have: 

• Aboriginality (Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1977). Candidates selected for an interview must provide Confirmation of Aboriginality documentation at or before interview.  
• Appropriate Degree or Diploma at AQF level 5-8 or equivalent, or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading major instructional design projects or operations to achieve successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in instructional design, including with adult learning strategies, curriculum development and/or e-learning development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the standards and regulatory environment governing vocational education and training.

Highly regarded but not essential: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40122 or equivalent.

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

Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment

With over 420 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and a strong Aboriginal Staff Network, we are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace where dignity, trust, respect, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion are valued.

At TAFE NSW, you will have a sense of belonging and the opportunity to share your skills, stories, and passions and represent your communities and culture. 

We are proud of our Reconciliation Action Plan, and our Aboriginal Employment Strategy and are continually improving our services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

A career of life-changing impact awaits you. Apply now!

Applications close 11.55pm AEST Wednesday 6 May 2026

To apply for this role, click on ‘apply now’ and provide:

• Your current resume
• Copies of your qualifications (upload as one PDF file). Certified copies preferred; these will be required if successful for the role.
• Confirmation of Aboriginality

General recruitment and adjustment enquiries: contact Rachael Honeysett - Talent Acquisition Advisor via rachael.honeysett4@tafensw.edu.au or 02 79213369.

Role-specific enquiries: contact Renee De Silva, Senior Manager Course Design & Build via renee.desilva@tafensw.edu.au or 0458 200 151.

Aboriginal Candidate support: our friendly Aboriginal Employment Team is here to help. Contact us via our Advocate Services for any questions or support regarding our Confirmation of Aboriginality process, application or resume support and interview preparation at aboriginalemploymentadvocate@tafensw.edu.au

Applicants for this position must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and be accepted in the community as such. An applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be required to provide Confirmation of Aboriginality documentation at or before interview.

For helpful insights into preparing your application, TAFE NSW’s recruitment process, and getting interview ready, read through our Application Process and the interactive Capability Application Tool.  

This is a child-related position. A Working with Children Check is a prerequisite for anyone in child-related work. It involves a national criminal history check and review of findings of workplace misconduct. 

To be eligible for positions at TAFE NSW, you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport.

An eligibility list, valid for 18 months, may be created for this position, and position(s) of the same classification that subsequently becomes vacant, may be filled via this recruitment.

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