Dean of Mission and Identity – Stella Maris College, Manly, NSW

Are you seeking:

• The opportunity to lead Mission and Identity within a successful Catholic school for girls within the Good Samaritan Education community?
• To walk with students and staff on a faith formation journey that is uplifting and contemporary?
• To contribute to the College’s Strategic and Mission plans as a member of the Leadership team?

With 1030 students and 160 staff, Stella Maris College, is a Catholic secondary school for girls in Years 7 to 12, inspired by the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition. As one of ten schools nationally that form the Good Samaritan Education (GSE) network, the College upholds a holistic and inclusive approach to education, grounded in the values of stewardship, mutuality, prayer, hospitality, humility, discernment, justice, and peace.

Informed by the Good Samaritan Philosophy of Education, Stella Maris is committed to fostering a learning environment that promotes innovative pedagogy across all areas of the curriculum while nurturing the personal, social, and spiritual growth of each student. At the heart of this commitment is a strong focus on pastoral care, which seeks to ensure that every student is known, valued, and supported to flourish.

The College encourages students to become grounded, hope-filled young people who are capable of deep listening, wise leadership, and compassionate engagement with others and the world. Pastoral care at Stella Maris is not a separate program but an integrated and relational approach that informs all aspects of school life, from the classroom to the co-curricular space, fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing.

Stella Maris College is incorporated and governed locally by a Board of Directors, accountable through the Company Members to Good Samaritan Education.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the Stella Maris College website located at https://stellamaris.nsw.edu.au/ and the Good Samaritan Education website located at https://goodsameducation.org.au/.

Trak Search has also been instructed to provide a range of information to people as they progress through this process, to assist in your due diligence/discernment.

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Position Overview

Position Title: Dean of Mission and Identity

Reports to: Principal

Position Purpose

The Dean of Mission and Identity plays a vital leadership role, inspiring and animating the spiritual life of our community.

Reporting to the Principal and a member of the College Leadership Team, the Dean brings our Catholic faith and the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition to life, for students and staff, in ways that are dynamic, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the Gospel.

The Dean will lead with both strategic insight and pastoral sensitivity, cultivating an environment where prayer, justice, hospitality and peace are encountered in everyday College life.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided with key documents, including the GSE ‘Philosophy of Education’, ‘Schools of Welcome Statement’ and ‘Statement on Leadership’; a full position description; and briefed on the success criteria/priorities for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities for the role include the following dimensions:

• Identity and religious leadership.
• Strategic leadership for ministry-related initiatives, projects, and calendar planning.
• Student and staff formation leadership.
• Leadership of prayer, liturgy and sacramental life.
• Lead the College’s social justice, outreach, and immersion programs in collaboration with the Social Justice Coordinator and other key staff.
• Build relationships with key Church and community stakeholders and collaborate across the College to further enhance the missiological aspects.
• Collaborate with the Religious Education Coordinator and teaching staff to enrich the integration of the College’s mission across curriculum areas.
• Carry a part-time Religious Education teaching load (0.2).

Key Relationships

The Dean of Mission and Identity will liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders across the Stella Maris community, the Good Samaritan Education community and the Diocese of Broken Bay.

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

 Commencement

The start date for this role is negotiable; however, the ideal starting date would be January 2026.

Location

The Main Campus is located at 52 Eurobin Avenue, Manly. There is a second campus located within a 5-minute walk of the school, referred to as ‘Benedict’.

Conditions of Employment

• The details and terms and conditions of appointment will be discussed as we progress through this process. The role is covered by the Independent Schools (Teachers) Cooperative Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2025 – a Leadership Allowance Level 3 or 4 applies, depending on the person’s level of leadership experience.
• Employer superannuation contribution is in accordance with the SGC, with several options of additional employer contributions as part of the College’s co-contribution scheme.
• An annual appraisal process exists and there is the usual 6-month probation period.
• A commitment to all Child Safeguarding Principles.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful National Criminal History Check.
• Visit the College website (click here) to obtain a deeper understanding of the many benefits of working at Stella Maris.

Selection Criteria

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

• A committed and practising Catholic with a deep personal faith.
• An understanding of the importance of charism and formation, with the desire to grow in Good Samaritan Benedictine spirituality.
• An experienced educator, holding similar roles in non-systemic or systemic Catholic schools, with accreditation (or eligibility) to teach Religious Education.
• This experience will be evidenced by:
  • Leadership of liturgy, formation, service, and Catholic mission.
  • Engaging young people in faith, justice, and leadership through creative and meaningful experiences.
  • A deep understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, inclusive liturgical practice, and the contemporary Church in Australia.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to build relationships and inspire others.
• Hold qualifications in Theology, Religious Education or a related discipline combined with an ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth in ministry and leadership.

We encourage experienced and aspirational applications from Catholic secondary or primary RE/Mission educators, who have the capacity to shape a faith-filled culture that engages the hearts and minds of young women and staff.

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 TS1579. 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 Lauren Minter (0421 364 240) 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 College schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference; and a faith-based reference (for example from 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 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.
• Prior to the shortlisting process, all information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Principal, or her 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.