The Catholic Institute of Western Australia (CIWA) is a unique Catholic tertiary educational body, created by and accountable to the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Western Australia.

The purpose of the CIWA is to provide professional and theological education; and spiritual and faith formation for current and future educators and leaders in Catholic schools and other groups who, from time to time, may seek such assistance.

Since 1975, the CIWA has prepared thousands of teachers and leaders through units at Edith Cowan, Curtin, and Murdoch Universities. They also provide their own courses for Accreditation as well as spiritual and faith formation and renewal programs for experienced educators, non-teaching professional staff and leaders.

The Catholic Institute embraces the evangelising mission of the Church through the promotion of Catholic education. The Institute promotes a vision of a Catholic educator and leader who is inspired by Christ with an apostolic zeal, well-grounded in Christian anthropology and possesses a supernatural vision of humankind’s destiny.

Through quality teaching, learning, management and formation, the Institute contributes to the deepening of theological knowledge, sound pedagogical practice and growth in spirituality and faith of educators and leaders; and, empowers them for active involvement in Church and society.

Further Information

Additional information, including the CIWA Vision and Mission, can be viewed by visiting the CIWA website located at https://catholicinstitute.wa.edu.au/

 We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia, the traditional custodians of the land, seas, skies and waterways on which we reside, work, travel and meet. We pay our respect to First Nations elders past, present, and emerging, and support the Uluru Statement From The Heart.

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, video or audio recordings.

Position Overview

Position Title:    Managing Director

Reports to:          The Conference of Catholic Bishops in Western Australia through the Chair, Catholic Institute Council. The Council is the governing body.

Position purpose

The role of the Managing Director is to be responsible for the organisation, promotion and strategic planning of the Catholic Institute of Western Australia (CIWA).

Leadership responsibilities are broad, but include:

• The integrity and operation of Catholic academic programs at WA public universities. This includes providing Catholic theological units of study.
• Developing spiritual and faith formation programs for leaders and staff in Catholic education.
• Collaborating with University of Notre Dame in the support the academic programs, scholarship and research projects of the Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology.
• Collaborating with Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) and university authorities to ensure appropriate accreditation of units offered by CIWA and through the WA universities.
• Consulting with the Director of Religious Education of CEWA and Catholic school Principals regarding the needs of staff and leaders in the religious dimension of the Catholic school curriculum, including Religious Education to ensure their needs are met.
• Advise and review the undergraduate and post graduate courses/units related to teaching the Western Australian Religious Education Program.
• Managing the CIWA workplace so that staff members can carry out the mission of CIWA in a safe and supportive environment.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a full position description.

Key relationships

The CIWA team is comprised of 10 people. All staff members are employed by the Managing Director of CIWA who is the delegated employing authority and, in turn, is answerable to the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Western Australia through the Chair, Catholic Institute Council.

Staff information can be viewed on the CIWA website by clicking here.

Reason for vacancy

After more than a decade of successful leadership in this role, Dr Chris Hackett is retiring in June 2023.

Commencement

The commencement date is negotiable; however, it is anticipated it will be no later than January 2024.

Location and travel

The CIWA office is in Perth, at 33 Williamstown Rd, Doubletree. While regular travel is not anticipated, the nature of this leadership role could have the MD responding to needs in various WA locations.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• Superannuation is 13.0% per annum. Annual increases will occur of 1% to a base rate of 15% in 2025 in consultation with the employer.
• A motor vehicle is provided.
• Flexible working conditions allow working from home for up to 2 days per week.
• Annual leave is 20 days per annum. Purchase of additional annual leave is negotiable.
• The office closes for five days over the Christmas period. Staff receive these as additional paid leave days.
• LSL is portable within the Catholic education system in Western Australia; and for interstate Catholic employees who are signatories to the Portability Agreement.
• The initial employment contract is for 5 years, or as negotiated. The standard 6-month probation period applies. At least 6 months prior to the end of the agreement a new contract can be negotiated.
• The Managing Director is required to teach at least two tertiary courses over the year.
• The Performance Appraisal process occurs in the second and fifth year of the appointment.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a National Police History Check.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Selection Criteria

The Catholic Institute Council invites expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A practising Catholic with an understanding of and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Senior leadership experience within Catholic education, evidenced by:

• • School leadership and teaching experience with a deep understanding of the Religious Education curriculum in Catholic schools.
  • a knowledge of adult learning principles having led adults in spiritual and faith formation.
  • participation, innovation, and research in the disciplines of Theology, Faith and/or Religious Education.
  • delivering engaging presentations, research findings and key messaging to large groups and key stakeholders.

• Vision-focused and able to effectively communicate the mission and values of the CIWA to staff and the Catholic education community.
• The desire and accreditation (or able to obtain accreditation) to teach at least two tertiary courses over the year.
• A Doctorate in Theology, Religious Education or related area; together with a record of ongoing professional development.

Catholic education leaders with experience in primary or secondary education, faith formation or Catholic theological scholarship are encouraged to express an interest in this leadership role.

Are you Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1512. All we require at the outset is a resume,  email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest.

All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.

Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com

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

The Selection Process

The timeline for this project is as follows:

We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.

• We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the 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 CIWA schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference; and a faith-based reference with a Catholic priest; both prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews; with final references completed in the final stages of the process. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
• The selection committee will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Chair or his nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
• Please note: people are contacted and discussions commence soon after applications are received. We do not wait until the close date. There are advantages in applying immediately.

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.

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.