Assistant Director: Business Services – Catholic Education Diocese of Ballarat, VIC

The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat is led by the Most Reverend Paul Bird. Bishop Paul Bird was ordained as the Bishop of Ballarat in October 2012. The Diocese is diverse and geographically extensive, covering the western third of Victoria.

There are 64 Catholic schools within the Diocese, comprised of:

• 56 schools which until 2021 have been governed by the local Parish Priest or Administrator; and
• 8 schools and colleges governed by Religious Institutes or Ministerial Public Juridic Persons.

Governance

The Bishop of Ballarat formed a company to take over the running of 56 parish schools from 1^st January 2021. The company, Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) has a board of directors which reports to the Bishop. Day to day management of the schools governed by the company is delegated to the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

Further Information

A range of additional information can be viewed by visiting  https://ceob.edu.au/

This information includes a video on DOBCEL and Strategic Intent 2020 – 2024.

With a population of over 100,000 Ballarat is Victoria’s third largest city.  Learn more about living in Ballarat by clicking here.

Position Overview

Position Title: Assistant Director: Business Services

Reports to: Deputy Director Catholic Education Ballarat

Primary Objective

To provide the strategic leadership to develop and enhance financial and risk management systems and procedures; to provide processes for planning and facilities management for the office and schools; and develop procedures to ensure information technology and business systems function effectively; and to continually build and develop the capacity of school, office leaders and Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) Board in these areas.

A full position description will be provided at a later stage in this process.

Job Environment

The Assistant Director: Business Services is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Business Services portfolio. The Business Services portfolio provides strategic leadership for the Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) and schools across four key domains:

1. Finance and Accountability
2. Properties, Facilities and Planning
3. Risk Management
4. Information, Technology and Business Systems.

The position, in collaboration with the Directorate will lead and actively support the strategic leadership of the CEB. The position will require leadership of aspects within the portfolio and leadership oversight and support for managers and team leaders within the portfolio domains. Strategic directions for the portfolio are informed, by the strategic vision, strategic priorities and annual improvement plans.

Initial Priorities and Identified Challenges

• With the creation of DOBCEL the intention is to develop a more cohesive suite of services for schools, supported by CEB, i.e. more ‘systemness’ for the System of schools.
• A significant reappraisal of enterprise business software currently used in the 56 schools and CEB.
• With the amount of change occurring locally and globally, more emphasis is required in strategic and operational risk management.
• Taking the time to build relationships and partner with schools, CEB staff and throughout the Diocese; as well as in various networks and forums in Victoria.

Key Relationships

The Business Services Directorate comprises 27 staff, with direct reports being:

• Manager: Finance and Accountability
• Manager: Planning, Risk and Infrastructure
• Manager: Information, Technology and Business Systems

Partnership and leadership contribution:

• Member of CEB Directorate and Leadership and Stewardship Teams
• CECV Grant Allocation Committees:
  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • Targeted Programs
• ‘Principals’ networks
• Governing authorities
• Inter-Diocesan Finance Committee

An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this process.

Reason for the Vacancy

The current Assistant Director is retiring in June after 43 years with the Diocese, having been employed for 20 years plus with Catholic Education Ballarat.  She will continue to work part time from July to assist in the smooth transition of leadership.

Commencement

It is anticipated the successful person will be able to commence in this role during July 2021.

Location and Travel

The central office is located at 5 Lyons Street South, Ballarat. Other CEB Services Centres are located in Horsham, Mildura, Swan Hill and Warrnambool.

Given the nature of this executive position, local and intrastate travel is anticipated.

Other Relevant Information

• The financial year is 1^st January to 31^st December. Annual income is in the order of $200m. The external auditor is McLaren Hunt Financial Group, Warrnambool.
• Catholic education staff total approx. 2600 with approx. 100 employed by CEB who work out of the various Service Centres.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package reflects the seniority of the appointment and will be discussed as we step through the process.
• The initial contract period is for five (5) years subject to satisfactory performance, with further contract periods subject to an appraisal according to policy.
• 4 weeks annual leave.
• It is a legal requirement that we obtain a Working with Children Check and a National Police Record Check.
• Support the ethos, values and mission of Catholic education.
• Be an active and positive partner to the members of the CEB Directorate and Diocesan Leadership teams.
• Applicants will require a current Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

 Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• Capacity and willingness to work within the ethos of the Catholic Church and the Mission for Catholic education;
• As an astute, service-focused person, senior leadership experience in finance and related services, ideally as a CFO within not-for-profit, education or large, complex organisations;
• The desire to learn and develop into the wider aspects of this position;
• Experience in leading a sizable team;
• A highly relational style with the ability to connect with a diverse range people;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Tertiary qualifications, membership of an accounting body (CA or CPA) and a track record of ongoing personal and professional learning.

While we seek a technically strong and experienced financial leader, it is crucial you have the relational skills and the preparedness to engage with people, locally and in wider networks.

Are You Interested in This Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1449. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number (mobile preferred).

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.

Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to jobs@traksearch.com.

The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.

The Selection Process

Key dates as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for your confidential enquiries. They will also provide a range of additional information to allow you to explore how this opportunity aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the CEB schedule.
• We expect to contact two work-related referees prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
• Psychometric testing will occur prior to interviews by CEB. People who are shortlisted will be asked to sign a ‘Fit and Proper Person Declaration’ as required by legislation, as well as a pre-employment declaration.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to Executive Director or his nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• If you would like a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

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