Head: School Improvement, Data, Governance and Policy – Catholic Education, Bathurst NSW

The Diocese of Bathurst covers a large part of rural NSW extending from Bathurst, south to Oberon and Cowra; north to Coonamble; and west to Eugowra; with major regional centres including Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst, Mudgee and Lithgow.

Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) provides a diverse range of educational options, from primary schools in small rural communities to large secondary schools. CEDB provides support to 33 school communities comprising: 26 primary schools; 1 K-10 school; 2 K-12 schools; and 4 secondary colleges.

With approximately 9,300 students and employing more than 1000 staff, the schools are supported by 60 staff located in two offices: the main office in Bathurst (Kelso) and a regional office in Dubbo.

Living in Bathurst

With a growing population of more than 40,000, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland city and the perfect place for a tree change. It is less than a three-hour drive from Sydney, with great facilities, an affordable lifestyle, and a thriving social scene. This is all wrapped up among the city’s heritage buildings and rich history.

Bathurst is a regional education centre with many schools and a University (CSU). You’ll find everything you need in a city, including a state-of-the-art public hospital.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the CEDB website located at https://www.bth.catholic.edu.au/Home

Position Overview

Position Title: Head: School Improvement, Data, Governance and Policy

Responsible to: Executive Director of Schools

Position Purpose

The role exists to ensure that the processes operating within and across the System of 33 Schools delivers continuous improvement in learning and leadership and meet educational compliance requirements. It encompasses ICT, the analysis of school and system data for improvement, system/school performance and review processes, strategic planning, strategic partnerships, policy coordination, and leadership of compliance and governance requirements.

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 Areas of Accountability

• Actively promote the Vision and Mission of Catholic education in the Diocese.
• Design and maintain effective system processes that focus on school and system continual improvement.
• Ensure that the System of 33 Schools complies with all external and diocesan requirements, including monitoring and addressing compliance requirements of NESA, New South Wales and Commonwealth governments.
• Ensure the effective use and interpretation of a variety of data.
• Represent the diocese in appropriate professional forums and liaise closely with external organisations such as NESA, CSNSW, universities and other educational providers.

Reporting Relationships

This role reports to the Executive Director of Schools and is a member of the CEDB leadership team. In addition to this role and the Executive Director, the leadership team also comprises the Head of Religious Education and Faith Formation; Head of Learning, Teaching and Wellbeing; Head of Finance and Facilities; Head of HR, Risk and WHS and the School Improvement Consultants.

This position leads a team of 17 people which includes:

• School Improvement Consultants (K-12) who work closely with Principals and school leadership teams.
• ICT Leader and the ICT team.
• Education Officers responsible for Teacher Accreditation; Compliance & Policy; Vocational Education; School Improvement and Data

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

Commencement

While negotiable, it is anticipated the successful applicant will be able to commence in January 2022 in preparation for the start of the 2022 school year.

Location

The CEDB office is located in Gilmour Street, Kelso. Kelso is a suburb of Bathurst; and is a 5-minute drive to the Bathurst CBD.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• A fully maintained motor vehicle is provided for work-related purposes.
• Salary packaging is available.
• Tenure: the initial appointment is for 5 years and, subject to a performance review in the 5th year, renewed for an additional period. There is a standard 6-month probationary period.
• Flexibility of working arrangements could be considered/negotiated.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful (as adjudged by CEDB) National Criminal History Check.
• Applicants will require a current “C” Class Driver’s Licence.

Selection Criteria

The Executive Director of Schools invites expressions of interest from people who align with the following expectations:

• Capacity and willingness to work within the ethos of the Catholic Church and the Mission for Catholic education.
• A career in Catholic education with senior leadership experience, ideally having worked at System and School levels. This experience will be demonstrated by:
  • A track record of building the capacity for school improvement;
  • A deep knowledge of contemporary practices regarding school improvement;
  • An understanding of governance, policy development, NESA registration compliance, and data analysis and research, to ensure long-term growth and school improvement.
• The interpersonal and relational skills to work collaboratively to lead a cohesive team and to be part of an executive leadership team to achieve shared outcomes.
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional learning, particularly shown through post-graduate studies and professional development experiences.

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 TS1473. 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:

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

• Trak Search is available for confidential enquiries. They will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how this role 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 CEDB schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
• CEDB 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 Executive Director or her nominee unless you instruct otherwise.
• To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.

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.

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