Director of Catholic Education – Catholic Education, Wilcannia-Forbes

Introduction to the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes

The Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes covers 52 percent of NSW. The Most Reverend Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE is the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes. His appointment was announced by Pope Francis in April 2014.

Catholic Education

Catholic education in the Diocese is comprised of 18 primary schools, Kindergarten to Year 6. The Director of Catholic Education is employed by, and responsible to, the Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes for the administration of Catholic Education in the Diocese.

Strategic Plan

The current Strategic Plan for 2021-2023 names the priorities in the mission of parishes, schools and education office to form one diocesan community of faith, learning and transformation in Jesus Christ. A new Strategic Plan will be launched after wide consultation across the Diocese. It is anticipated it will be released in November this year.

Living in Forbes

Forbes is a town in the Central West region of NSW. At the last census Forbes had a population of over 9,300. It is located on the Lachlan River in the heart of the Lachlan Valley. It is an historic town with magnificent heritage buildings, rich history and gold rush past, a stunning natural environment and unique local attractions.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes website located at https://www.wf.catholic.edu.au/about-us/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Director of Catholic Education

Reports to: Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes and in his absence, the Episcopal Vicar (EV) for Education

Position Purpose

The Director works collaboratively to provide strategic and operational leadership of the Mission of Catholic education across the System of 18 schools and the Catholic Education Office, expressed through:

• Catholic identity.
• Effective Teaching & Learning.
• Stewardship of Finance, Facilities & Resources.
• Community & Culture.
• Pastoral Care & Wellbeing.

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 Accountabilities

• Contribute to the mission of Jesus Christ in Western NSW by providing inspiring religious leadership, strategic leadership for quality learning, human resources, financial stewardship and organisational leadership through strong relationships and connections to parish school communities.
• Work collaboratively with CEO and school leaders to develop quality Catholic school education and appropriate structures ensuring compliance with Church and legislative and statutory requirements within this rural and remote context.
• Promote and advocate for Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes within the Diocese, across NSW as well as nationally.
• Ensure a system-wide commitment to the ongoing duty of care for the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Key Relationships

Internal

• Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE
• Fr Arthur Givney, Vicar General and EV for Education
• Diocesan Schools Advisory Board
• Parish School Principals & Parish Priests
• CEO Leadership Team & CEO Staff
• Chancery Staff & associated Diocesan Ministries

External

• Catholic Schools NSW
• Colleague Directors of Catholic Education
• Catholic Employment Relations
• Other relevant Church, Government and external agencies.

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

Commencement

The commencement date is January 2024.

Location and Travel

This role is based in the Catholic Education office located at 15 Johnson Street, Forbes, NSW. The nature of the role will require travel to schools throughout the Diocese.

Conditions of Employment

The remuneration package for this role is as agreed by the NSW/ACT Bishops and includes:

• Salary: paid in accordance with the scale agreed by the NSW/ACT Bishops. This will be discussed at a later stage of the recruitment process.
• Motor vehicle: a fully maintained vehicle for business and personal use is provided.
• Superannuation: currently 11.0%
• Accommodation is provided with subsidised rental.

Other relevant information:

• Salary packaging is available.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• Tenure: the initial appointment is for 5 years and, subject to a performance review in the 5th year, renewed for an additional period.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Applicants will require a current 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 National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, the Most Reverend Columba Macbeth-Green, invites expressions of interest from people able to demonstrate:

• A genuine, deeply embedded Catholic faith and an active member of a Catholic Eucharistic Community.
• The capacity to be a Faith leader and to articulate and promote a contemporary understanding of the Catholic Church’s mission in education.
• A career in Catholic education, ideally incorporating leadership experience at school and/or system-level.
• A deep affinity for rural and remote communities, with the attributes, strategic thinking and leadership skills required to support a diverse and geographically separated Catholic education community.
• A highly relational style with a desire to engage with people; and capable of representing the Diocese within the broader Education community as well as with other ministries of the Church.
• Life-long learning through ongoing personal and professional inquiry.

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 TS1524. 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 Diocesan 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.
• 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 Bishop, or his nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• For more information on our process click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• 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.

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.