Deputy Executive Director – Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd

Are you seeking a role:

• To contribute to shaping Catholic education in 44 Victorian schools, from Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor (Narre Warren/Cranbourne) to the Bass Coast (Wonthaggi) and through to East Gippsland (Orbost)?
• To empower principals and teams in the delivery of sustainable, inclusive education that nurtures each student’s potential, enriched by a flourishing Catholic culture?

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale is a vital expression of the mission of the Church.

In the Diocese of Sale, there are 39 Primary schools and seven secondary schools. Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) governs and operates all primary schools and five of the secondary schools, supporting more than 18,200 students and 3,000+ staff. The work of Catholic education in the Diocese is supported by more than 100 professionals in the DOSCEL Office.

Established in 2018 as a company limited by guarantee, DOSCEL’s sole member is the Bishop of Sale, Bishop Greg Bennet, with governance exercised through the DOSCEL Board and operational leadership led by the Executive Director, DOSCEL, Mr Paul Velten.

Guided by the theme “Inspiring Faith, Inspiring Learning,” DOSCEL’s vision is “faith‑inspired educational excellence for a hope‑filled future,” and its mission centres on delivering sustainable, inclusive education that nurtures each student’s potential, enriched by a flourishing Catholic culture.

Our values shape decisions and practice across the system:

• Integrity — We dialogue, discern; embrace difference, respecting the dignity of the individual and showing empathy as we harness the power of collective contribution.
• Inclusion — We uphold honesty, transparency and ethical behaviour in all our practice. We are committed to meeting our obligations to relevant educational authorities and to being principled in our decision-making, fostering trust and respect within the broader educational community.
• Excellence —We constantly aspire to and move toward a better place, leading change in the world with hope, courage and compassion.

Strategic priorities for 2025–2028 focus on:

• Shared Vision, Mission and Connection
• Excellence in Education Services
• Highly Impactful Operations

Executive leaders at the DOSCEL Office lead and work in partnership with principals, clergy and school communities to provide a faith centred learning experience, lift student learning, grow leader and teacher capability, strengthen governance and stewardship, and ensure every school is a safe, child‑centred environment.

Living and Working in Warragul, Victoria

While the religious heart of the Diocese is St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale, the DOSCEL Office is in Warragul, a 50-minute drive from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. The Diocese has a mix of metro, regional and rural communities, while enjoying a relaxed lifestyle close to lakes, beaches and national parks.

Warragul itself offers quality schools, healthcare and sport, a lively arts scene, and an engaged community, with wineries, national parks and Mt Baw Baw on your doorstep. Being close to Melbourne you have the city within reach while avoiding big-city commutes. It’s a practical base for families and professionals seeking impact and lifestyle. Warragul’s population is over 20,000.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the DOSCEL website located at  http://www.doscel.catholic.edu.au/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Deputy Executive Director, Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited

Reports to: Executive Director, Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited

Position Purpose

The Deputy Executive Director (Deputy) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and provides strategic and operational leadership across Catholic Identity, learning and teaching, school improvement, school registration, educational leadership and strategic partnerships.

This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring cohesive, evidence-informed and mission-aligned service delivery across all schools driving measurable student outcomes, capability and deepened faith experiences.

The Deputy leads the development and implementation of strategic frameworks that foster inclusive practice, educational excellence and the lived expression of Catholic identity.

The Deputy works collaboratively with all ELT members to shape whole-of-organisation strategy and operations and to promote a culture of leadership, integrity and continuous improvement that upholds the ethos and strategic priorities of Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale.

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

Reason for Vacancy

After 12 years with the Diocese of Sale, Ms Debra Punton is retiring at the end of this year.

Commencement

While negotiable, the anticipated commencement date is January 2026, although an earlier date is possible. If commencing in January, it would be ideal if the appointee had periodic availability during Term 4 of this year to enable a smooth transition.

Location and Travel

This role will be based within the DOSCEL Office located at 6 Witton Street, Warragul.

Given the need for the Deputy to be visible in schools as well as involved in wider forums, regular travel is required.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• The initial contract period is five years. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• Relocation assistance is available, if required.
• This is a fulltime leadership position which involves extended hours, evening meetings as well as travel that includes overnight absence from home.
• Applicants will require a current Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• Applicants will be subject to child safety screening processes and must hold or be willing to obtain a current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration or a Working with Children Check and relevant police check as a condition of employment.

Selection Criteria

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

• A practising Catholic with a deep personal commitment to the mission of the Church and Catholic education.
• Able to work closely with a Bishop, clergy, and Catholic agencies in a faith-aligned leadership capacity to foster a strong Catholic identity across diverse educational communities. This requires an awareness and understanding of the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) project.
• Extensive leadership within Catholic education, in a System or Principal/leadership role, with experience in delivering strategic initiatives and improving student outcomes.
• People management skills, with experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, building capability, and fostering a high-performance, mission- aligned culture.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with a capacity to advocate, influence, and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in Education, Educational Leadership and Religious Education or Theology.
• Accreditation to Teach and/or Lead in a Catholic School (or commitment to obtain).

If your leadership is animated by Catholic mission, educational excellence and service to diverse metropolitan, regional and rural communities, DOSCEL offers a consequential context to make a system‑wide impact.

Fundamental to the selection criteria is the understanding that DOSCEL is deeply committed to ensuring the care, safety, and wellbeing of all children and young people in Catholic Schools.

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 TS1575. 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 DOSCEL schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference; and a reference from the Catholic Parish 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.
• While a face-to-face meeting is preferred, the selection committee will provide an option of an online interview in circumstances where a person is unable to visit for the initial meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; 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 DOSCEL Board or their nominees, 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.