Director – Education, Queensland Catholic Education Commission, Brisbane

Are you seeking:

• A leadership role with impact across 312 Catholic schools in Queensland?
• The opportunity to provide strategic leadership, advocacy and guidance in relation to policy, which impacts the families of more than 158,000 students?
• A position providing invaluable experience and exposure towards executive leadership?

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) is the peak body representing Catholic education in Queensland. The QCEC is a 16-member body established by the Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane and the Bishops of Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and Toowoomba (the Bishops of Queensland) to support and advance Catholic education in Queensland.

The role of QCEC is essentially strategic and a partnership with the five Diocesan and seventeen other Catholic school authorities that administer and manage schools across the state. QCEC is the peak body for Catholic education in Queensland and is the entity recognised by governments for the purpose of funding.

The Bishops of Queensland and those acting for public juridic persons (including Religious Institutes) which operate Catholic schools in Queensland have delegated the following authority and functions to QCEC:

1. Authority and primary responsibility for statewide high-level policy making and collaborative action in the areas of government funding, advocacy and negotiation with State and Commonwealth governments and peak bodies, research and collection of financial and educational data, industrial relations and public relations and communication.
2. Authority and responsibility to work collaboratively with Catholic school authorities in policy making and action, in areas which other educational authorities have primary responsibility for such policy making (such as reviews, curriculum, religious education and social justice matters).
3. Authority and responsibility on an ‘ad hoc’ basis through a consensus of the Commission, to provide services on request or be involved in projects as requested and on behalf of other educational authorities.

A number of committees have been established by the Commission to inform its decision making. The Commission is provided with operational support by a Secretariat of around forty-five staff who report via unit groups through to the Executive Director QCEC.

In accordance with its Mission Statement, QCEC Secretariat is constantly mindful of education in the wider mission of the Catholic Church and seeks that all employees support QCEC vision, mission and values.

Further Information

Additional information, including QCEC’s Vision, Mission and Values, can be viewed by visiting their website located at https://qcec.catholic.edu.au/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Director – Education

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Purpose

The position of Director-Education provides leadership to support the Executive Director to achieve the strategic directions of QCEC particularly by:

• providing QCEC and Catholic school authorities with strategic and collaborative leadership in the areas of education policy and practice.
• representing QCEC and Catholic school authorities on national and state education committees as required.
• providing strategic leadership and guidance to staff of the Education Unit in relation to policy development, analysis and review.
• Employing intuitive, reflective and responsive skills in a hands-on fashion – this is not an ambassadorial position.
• contributing as a member of the Secretariat’s Leadership Team, to the effective leadership of the Secretariat and its responsiveness to and support for the delegated responsibilities of the Commission
• represent and/or act for the Executive Director where required.

At a later stage in this recruitment process you will be provided a full position description; QCEC information document; strategic plan; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

The position reports to the Executive Director and is a part of the Leadership Team.

The position’s significant working relationships are:

• other QCEC Unit Directors
• staff of the Education Unit – this role is responsible for 6 to 8 direct reports
• Queensland Catholic Education Commission
• Queensland Catholic school authorities
• National Catholic Education Commission
• a wide range of federal and state government/non-government education stakeholders.

While the role has a small number of direct reports, its impact if widespread due to the significant number of crucial committees and networks it is a part of.

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

Location

The QCEC office is located at 143 Edward Street, Brisbane.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package reflects the seniority of the appointment and will be discussed as we step through the process.
• This is a full-time role with the initial contract period of 5 years, with potential for renewal. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• Annual leave is 5 weeks.
• QCEC has a policy of staff working in the office for 3 days each week; and from home on 2 days. All staff are required to be in the office of a Monday. The other office days are determined by what works best for the office and the team.
• In the first 12 months, the person should anticipate more time in the office and travelling, as the building of relationships is vital.
• 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.
• The Working with Children (Risk Management & Screening) Act 2000 requires the preferred applicant to be subject to “working with children check” as part of the employment screening process. Further details regarding this check may be obtained at https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au. You will also be required to complete a National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

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

• A commitment to the Catholic faith and an understanding of how Education fits within the wider mission of the Catholic Church.
• A career in Education with senior leadership experience in education and/or policy development, either as a senior education officer or a primary, secondary or P-12 principal.
• Contemporary and in-depth knowledge of national and state education issues and policies, with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders to research and develop education strategies, policies, programs and briefing papers.
• Proven ability to work alongside in leading, inspiring and managing a team in a collegiate and professional work environment.
• Outstanding communication, consultation and writing skills and able to co-ordinate and align diverse views to achieve successful outcomes.
• Tertiary qualifications in education or a relevant field are essential, plus further qualifications in leadership, management or related fields would be highly desirable.

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 TS1536. 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 QCEC schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference; and (ideally) a faith-based reference; 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 an online 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 Executive Director, 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.