School Performance Leader – Armidale Catholic Schools Office, NSW

Are you seeking a role:

• In a System of 24 schools known for its mentoring and development processes to support leaders to ‘grow’ their career?
• In a city known for its strong community spirit and which is the central hub for the Northern Tablelands region?
• In a community with a mix of urban and rural environments, providing a high quality of life, affordable housing, and less congestion than larger cities?

Introduction

The Diocese of Armidale covers a significant portion of the Northwest region of NSW.  Regina Menz is the Director of Schools for the Armidale Catholic Schools Office (ACSO) and is leading a strong, collaborative professional learning community focused on improving the faith, learning and wellbeing outcomes for all.

The ACSO Diocese of Armidale administers 24 schools: 19 primary, two central and three secondary schools. With approximately 1,000 employees in teaching and non-teaching roles, the ACSO supports school communities who provide learning for almost 6,000 students across the Diocese.

Armidale Catholic Schools is widely recognised for the ongoing professional support provided to all staff. They also have specific mentoring and development processes to support leaders and aspiring leaders. This is the ideal setting to ‘grow’ a career.

Living in Armidale

Armidale is a major city with a population of nearly 30,000 people, which rests high on the Northern Tablelands. It is situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and only two hours from the coast.

Armidale is an ideal area for those who enjoy outdoor adventures including canyoning, mountain climbing, biking, bird watching or trout fishing. Galleries, museums, fine foods and a vibrant event calendar including festivals, music, theatre, markets, book fairs and major sporting events guarantee an experience suitable for all ages.

Armidale is rich in heritage with grand cathedrals, colonial buildings and is home to the University of New England.

Further Information

For further information on the organisation, please visit www.arm.catholic.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 and present.

 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: School Performance Leader

Reports to: Director of Schools

Position Purpose

To build the capacity of Catholic school principals and leadership teams to enable more effective and efficient leadership and management of our Catholic Professional Learning Community.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a full position description; the 2024 Annual Improvement Plan; a number of key ACS foundational documents; and be briefed on the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

The Mission and Learning Team (MaLT) is led by 4 School Performance Leaders (SPL) and the Leader of Catholic Life, Mission and RE. Each of the SPLs reports to the Director of Schools and has a portfolio of schools they work closely with; as well as some ‘whole of system’ responsibilities.

The MaLT work closely as a team.

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

Commencement

The commencement date for this position is January 2025, or earlier by negotiation.

Location and Travel

The Catholic Schools Office is situated in Barney St, Armidale. Given the nature of the role, there will be considerable time spent travelling to and within schools.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• A comprehensively insured vehicle is available as part of the role and will be supplied in accordance with ACSO guidelines.
• The ACSO provides additional, ex gratia leave during the Christmas period and ten days compensatory leave is provided for employees required to travel and as a consequence are regularly away from home. This leave must be taken within the year it falls due.
• Salary packaging is available.
• Initial 5-year contract. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• Payment of reasonable relocation expenses.
• A mobile phone and laptop are provided.
• Further study and professional development opportunities are provided.
• A current Drivers Licence is essential.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful (as adjudged by the CSO) National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• Commitment to and practise of the Catholic faith.
• Experience as a primary or secondary Principal, with the ability to support primary and secondary schools.
• A contemporary leader with the demonstrated capacity to inspire a team; collaboratively develop strategy and culture; and manage change.
• An innovative educational leader that can clearly articulate a vision of learning and teaching that integrates Catholic values and pastoral care into the daily life of the school.
• A leader with outstanding interpersonal skills.
• An educational leader that will embrace the Armidale Catholic School’s vision to lead a coherent Catholic Professional Learning Community aligned to the ACSO Strategic Plan.
• Hold professional qualifications:
  • An education degree and relevant post graduate qualification; and
  • Completion of or willingness to undertake appropriate post graduate courses in the areas of religious education or theology to meet accreditation requirements of Category E as per the Catholic Schools framework for the accreditation of staff in Catholic schools
• Be NESA accredited or be eligible to be accredited by NESA to teach in NSW.

We are seeking an experienced leader with the capacity to actively support principals to lead teaching and learning in their schools, address barriers to school improvement, and foster the development of a cohesive teaching and learning culture that is student-centred.

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 TS1557. 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 ACSO 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 Director, or her 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.