Director First Nations Education – Edmund Rice Education Australia

EREA, through its 5 governing bodies, operates 55 Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition, including 31 Colleges, 22 Flexible Learning centres; and 2 Special Assistance schools. With schools in every Australian state and territory, EREA educate over 41,000 students and employ over 4,500 people nationally. Through Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders, EREA is part of an international network of 280 schools in 21 countries.

The Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (TEREA), the Member, oversees the five governing bodies, each with a unique focus and purpose within the broader scope of EREA’s Charter. TEREA, as the parent entity, governs by providing the policies, strategies and frameworks, for the operations of the governing bodies and schools in terms of reconciliation, liberating practice, formation and global engagement. The five governing bodies, their CEOs and staff, provide governance and operational support to their schools.

The Education Strategy Team is a part of the TEREA parent entity.

Educational Strategy Team

Within TEREA, the Educational Strategy Team supports the animation and development of creative and contemporary expressions of the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice in education in line with EREA’s strategy, mission and purpose including in the areas of reconciliation, learning, formation, global engagement and renewal.

We provide frameworks, requirements and oversight that ensure the governing bodies are delivering learning and keeping the charism enlivened in line with TEREA requirements. We provide advice, input, support and monitoring of formation and learning and are responsible for supporting cultural change, steering EREA’s Learning Statement and partnering with the governing bodies in ensuring that relevant policies and requirements are adhered to.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the EREA website located at https://www.erea.edu.au/

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of our schools. We are inspired and nurtured by their wisdom, spirituality and experience. We commit ourselves to actively work alongside them for reconciliation and justice. We pay our respects to the Elders; past, present and future. As we take our next step we remember the first footsteps taken on this sacred land.

 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: Director First Nations Education

Reports to: National Director Educational Strategy

Position Purpose

The Director First Nations Education works closely with the National Director Educational Strategy to support the organisation’s commitment to being a culturally responsive community that deeply respects and celebrates the heritage, knowledge, and values of First Nations peoples. This role contributes to creating meaningful and respectful spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices to be heard, understood, and valued across all levels of the organisation.

The Director will guide and support the development, implementation, and nurturing of key initiatives and policies that strengthen relationships and enhance educational and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations students, families, and staff.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a full position description. You will also be briefed on the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

This role is one of four Directors reporting to the National Director Educational Strategy. This team operates collaboratively, within the Educational Strategy Team as well as with people across the various EREA governing bodies.

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

Reason for Vacancy

This is an executive-level role, created to reflect the significance of First Nations education to the Charter and purposes of EREA.

Commencement

The commencement date is negotiable, however term 4, 2024 or terms 1 or 2 in 2025 is anticipated.

Location and Travel

In determining a work location, EREA supports First Nations applicants who wish to stay connected to their Country/s.

While the level of travel is negotiable, given the scope of the role, you should anticipate travel time at approximately 25% (say, one week in four) to all states and territories.

Conditions of Employment

• To perform this role, it is a ‘genuine occupational requirement’ that the person identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.*
• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• The initial contract period is for 5 years, with an option for a further 5 years, on review. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• Annual leave is 4 weeks, with 3 days of ex gratia leave between Christmas and New Year.
• If required, reasonable relocation assistance could be negotiated for 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 (as adjudged by EREA) National Criminal History Check.

* This condition is permissible for all States & Territories, except Victoria.

Selection Criteria

EREA invites expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A deep understanding of the challenges facing First Nations students, families and staff, with lived experience and firsthand knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
• Desire and capacity to work for a large Catholic employer and a faith-based setting.
• Experience in a leadership role, evidenced by:
  • thinking strategically and advocating for educational initiatives and policies that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, and communities.
  • policy development and team formation.
• High level communication and interpersonal skills; including public speaking and presentation, negotiation, influence and persuasion skills.
• Ability to collaborate with all stakeholders to develop, lead, implement and evaluate First Nations education strategies, policies, programs, and initiatives, aligned to the Mission of EREA.
• Willingness and capacity to commit to the ongoing and proactive protection and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk.
• Post-graduate qualifications at a Masters level or higher, in education, community development, or a related field. Additional qualifications or experience in Indigenous studies or community leadership are highly desirable.

While the preference is for a person experienced within the Education sector, people with a career in a not-for-profit setting, such as Community/Welfare, Health/Allied Health or a Church agency, are also encouraged to investigate this opportunity.

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 TS1556. 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 EREA schedule.
• We expect to complete at least one work-related reference 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 visit 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.
• Prior to the shortlisting process, information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the National Director Education Strategy, or his nominee, unless you instruct 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.
• 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.