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Loreto Mission
To transform the Church and the world particularly by empowering women to seek truth and do justice.
Organisational Context
Loreto Sisters of Australia and South-East Asia (The Province) also live and work in Vietnam, Timor-Leste and the Philippines. Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA) is the aid and development arm of the Loreto Sisters supporting a wide range of social justice and education projects in Australia and internationally.
Within Australia there are seven Loreto Schools committed to the Loreto Mission and guided by their local governance body, the School Board. There are also two associated Australian schools which have their roots in the Loreto education tradition.
Loreto Ministries
Established in 2016 by The Province, Loreto Ministries has the mandate to ensure sound governance and ongoing stability of the Province’s corporate ministries. The Board of Directors, in collaboration with the Province’s ministries, support the ongoing mission of Loreto in Australia and South-East Asia.
Loreto Ministries is a Not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee and a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The Loreto Ministries Strategic Plan 2018-2022 articulates the vision, mission and key action areas as outlined below. (This will be provided as you step through this process.)
Loreto Ministries Vision
A church and world where all people have access to quality education which inspires and empowers full participation in a spirit of justice and freedom.
Loreto Ministries Mission
To be inspired by the values of Mary Ward to support and expand access to high quality, inclusive, and caring education and to provide leadership in response to contemporary needs.
Position Overview
Position Title: Director of Mission and Identity
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, Loreto Ministries Limited
Position Purpose
The primary purpose of the Director of Mission & Identity is to facilitate the promotion and deepening of the Loreto charism. Enlivening the vision, mission and values for all in the Loreto network. This will take research, discernment and reflection, dialogue and collaboration in an environment that allows for exploration, growth and flexibility.
The Loreto Formation Framework can be accessed by clicking here. At a later stage in this project you will be provided a full position description; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.
Key Relationships
The Director of Mission & Identity will work closely and effectively with the Province Leader, CEO of Loreto Ministries, Executive Officer of Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA), Loreto Justice Network, Loreto Ministries Leadership team, staff of the Province Office, the Loreto Schools and the wider Loreto Network in Australia and internationally.
To be successful in the role the Director of Mission & Identity will be required to:
- Work with all relevant groups within the Loreto circle e.g. members of boards and committees, school staff, MWIA, volunteers and staff of the Loreto Centre.
- Develop professional relationships with the Province Leader and Loreto Sisters, MWIA, Board Chairs, Board Directors, Schools and leadership teams in schools.
- Maintain appropriate and effective contact with external resources including Sisters, consultants and presenters with expertise in mission, formation, theology and spirituality, and Directors of Mission/Formation for other religious orders and education ministries.
- Develop strong student networks through the social justice program.
- Undertake her/his duties in accordance with the spirit and values of Loreto Ministries and contribute to a vision and culture that is consistent with the Loreto ethos.
There are currently no direct reports to this role but that may change as Mission team is formed. There are indirect reports for projects; volunteers; and communications.
An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.
Reason for Vacancy
This is an existing position, updated following the vacancy in April 2021.
Commencement
The start date is negotiable, but it is anticipated to be no later than January 2022 in preparation for the 2022 school year.
Location and Travel
The role will be based in the Loreto Centre, Level 2, 257 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East, Victoria.
Leaving aside COVID restrictions, travel across Australia and internationally should be expected. In the first six months you should anticipate visiting each of the seven schools to develop an understanding of their context and to start developing productive working relationships.
Conditions of Employment
- The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
- Five weeks of annual leave; 3 weeks of that must be taken over the Summer / Christmas school holidays.
- Flexibility of working arrangements can be negotiated.
- The contract period is a maximum of 5 years.
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
- Applicants will require a current “C” Class Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
- Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful (as adjudged by Loreto Ministries) National Criminal History Check.
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- A deep and personal commitment to the Catholic Faith.
- The capacity and desire to immerse yourself, learn and promote the Loreto charism and contribute the Loreto voice to the Church today.
- Leadership in Catholic ministry, preferably in education at secondary school or tertiary level.
- Experience in adult faith formation/adult learning including the production of resources and the delivery of programs.
- High level interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build and grow the Loreto community through strong relationships and networks.
- Ability to think and plan strategically; capacity to be self-motivated; to be highly organised; and work collaboratively.
- Postgraduate qualifications (or in progress) in theology and/or religious education.
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 TS1466. Please provide a brief resume and contact (mobile) telephone number.
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:
Date of project launch/advertising | By Friday 27th Aug. |
Latest anticipated date for applications | Wed. 15th Sept. |
Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing Mon 27th Sept. |
Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 4th or 11th Oct. |
Final references; academic documents obtained | Following client interviews |
Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
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 Loreto Ministries schedule.
- We expect to contact one work-related referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
- Loreto Ministries will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the CEO or her nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.
Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents. We are committed to adapting our recruitment processes to accommodate neurodiverse candidates; or people with different physical abilities.
You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.