Executive Director of Catholic Education – Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Are you seeking a role:

• That guides a system of schools across the Riverina, with strong parish partnerships and a strongly supportive Bishop?
• Combining mission, strategy and innovation, with room to deliver measurable student outcomes?
• Offering a rare mix of System-wide impact and regional lifestyle?

The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga is located within Wiradjuri country in the Riverina and southwestern district of New South Wales. The Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers are significant geographical features of the area with the eastern border of the Diocese lying in the mountainous regions of the Great Dividing Range.

The Diocese is led by Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, appointed the sixth Bishop of Wagga Wagga in May 2020 and installed in July 2020.

Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga (CEDWW) is the education arm of the Catholic Diocese. It supports 24 primary schools, 5 secondary colleges, 3 of which offer boarding, employing more than 1,800 staff, with a focus on whole-child formation and strong school–family–parish partnerships.

CEDWW’s mission is to build Christ-centred, inclusive communities and deliver contemporary learning so every student can flourish.

The CEDWW main office (McAlroy House) is located at 205 Tarcutta Street, Wagga Wagga; with a satellite office in Albury.

Governance

The Bishop established the Catholic Education Council (CEC) in September 2020 to assist in fulfilling his role and mission regarding the ministry of Catholic education in the Diocese.

The Executive Director of Catholic Education serves as an ex-officio member and Executive Officer of the CEC.

Living in Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga is a major regional hub with a population of approx. 70,000. It has direct links to Sydney and Melbourne, a university presence (CSU) and employers that attract families and talent.

Housing is more attainable, commutes are short, and community ties are strong—ideal for visible, relational leadership.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the CEDWW website located at https://ww.catholic.edu.au/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Executive Director of Catholic Education

Reports to: The Executive Director works in close cooperation with the CEC and is accountable to the Bishop through the CEC.

Position Overview

The Executive Director of Catholic Education (ED) provides inspirational, mission-focused, and strategic leadership at the symbolic, religious, educational, and organisational levels for the Diocesan System of Primary and Secondary Schools within the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

The ED drives the 2024–27 “Sowing Seeds for Excellence” Strategic Direction—focusing the system on formation and evangelisation, continuous school improvement, transforming student learning, nurturing the workforce, and stewarding resources.

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

Reporting to the Bishop and working with the CEC, the ED is accountable for system performance and culture—translating diocesan mission into measurable student growth and safe, inclusive school communities.

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

Commencement

While negotiable, the anticipated commencement date is January 2026.

Location and Travel

This role will be based within the Catholic Schools Office located at 205 Tarcutta Street, Wagga Wagga.

Given the geographic spread of the Diocese combined with the need for the ED to be visible in schools as well as involved in wider forums (for example NSW Directors & Catholic Schools NSW meetings in Sydney), regular travel is required.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package for this role is in accordance with the scale as agreed by the NSW/ACT Bishops and will be discussed as we progress through this process.
• Enhanced annual leave could be negotiated.
• The expectation is that the successful applicant will become a member of the local community, so relocation assistance is available.
• The successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful Police Check.
• Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead in Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.
• The initial contract period is five years. Performance reviews are conducted annually according to diocesan policies. External formative performance appraisal occurs in the 3rd year and external summative performance appraisal at the beginning of the 5th year of the contract.

Selection Criteria

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

• A deep personal commitment to the Catholic faith and active participation in the local Parish community.
• Faith inspired and mission-oriented leadership with a vision for evangelisation of young people, families and staff, as integral to the broader mission of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.
• Deep knowledge about how to achieve a resolute commitment to developing schools that are safe and nurturing of wellbeing, equity and excellence in learning for all.
• Professional credibility and experience in leadership in Catholic education, including principal leadership and/or a senior executive role.
• A leadership style that is relational, collaborative, respectful, transparent and built on trust and committed to broad consultation and engagement.
• Essential personal qualities include being hope-filled, prayerful, resilient, joyful, and courageous in the face of a complex era of change.
• Relevant post-graduate qualifications and a track record of ongoing personal and professional learning. Qualifications in theology or religious education are highly desirable.

The position requires a faith-filled, relational and experienced leader with credibility in education and highly developed strategic and transformational skills, responsive to a changing environment.

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 TS1576. 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 CEDWW 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 an online interview in circumstances where a person is unable to visit for an initial 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 shortlisting, information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Bishop and Chair of the CEC, or 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.