Chief Learning and Teaching Officer – Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd

The timing is ideal if you are excited by a role that:

• Is a pivotal executive leadership role shaping learning and teaching across a dynamic Catholic education system serving 18,000+ students.
• Leads a contemporary, evidence-informed learning strategy that lifts student outcomes and builds system-wide instructional capability.
• Works at the heart of mission and impact—partnering with schools, clergy and executive colleagues to deliver faith-inspired educational excellence.

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 18,000 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 the Board, 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 in The Diocese of Sale

While the religious heart of the Diocese is St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale, the DOSCEL Office is located at Sion House, previously the convent and school of the Sisters of Sion, 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 https://www.doscel.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, present, and emerging.

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: Chief Learning and Teaching Officer

Reports to: Deputy Executive Director

Position Purpose

The Chief Learning & Teaching Officer (CLTO) strategically designs, leads, manages and supports the delivery of Catholic educational excellence by engaging and aligning effort to improve the measurable outcomes for all students in all schools.  This is achieved through strategic design and service delivery that builds instructional leadership capability and expert teacher practice in schools across the Diocese.

The role is accountable for leading a contemporary, evidence-informed, multidisciplinary learning & teaching function which ensures school capability to meet the diverse learning needs of students.  This function includes direction, leadership and support to schools in evidence informed practice, curriculum entitlement, assessment and reporting, student wellbeing and learning adjustment.

The role requires the identification of strategic partnerships to inform, complement and enhance the strategic direction for learning and teaching in the diocese.  This includes university and other external partners to assist research into high impact initiatives in DOSCEL schools and the identification of priority areas of focus and action plans for future development.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Chief Learning & Teaching Officer is expected to work in close collaboration with fellow executives to ensure cohesive, mission-aligned leadership across DOSCEL. This includes contributing to whole-of-organisation strategy, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and fostering a culture of collective accountability. The role requires active participation in ELT decision-making, open and constructive communication with peers, and a commitment to shared goals that uphold the Catholic ethos and strategic objectives of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

The scope of the role includes:

• Strategic leadership in learning and teaching
• Grants, teaching & learning research and development strategy
• Governance, risk and reporting; including child safeguarding policy and processes
• Research-informed school improvement strategies
• Stakeholder management

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

The position reports to the Deputy Executive Director and currently leads a team of 19 people. The role holder is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and as such has a collegial and professional relationship with others in the ELT.

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

Commencement

There is flexibility and negotiability regarding the commencement date. However, a commencement in Term 3 is preferred.

Location and Travel

This role is based within the DOSCEL Office located at 6 Witton Street, Warragul. Given the need for the role to be visible in the Diocese and involved in wider forums, regular travel is required.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package and flexibility in working arrangements will be discussed as we move through this process.
• Salary packaging is available.
• The package includes a fully maintained motor vehicle.
• 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.
• Applicants will be subject to child safety screening processes and a Working with Children Check and relevant police check.
• Applicants must hold or be willing to obtain a current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.

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.
• Significant senior leadership experience within Catholic education (school and/or system level). This leadership will be evidenced by:
  • Success in in building leadership capability and capacity
  • Delivery of positive, child-centred learning outcomes in an ever-changing educational environment
• A deep knowledge of contemporary learning, combined with a vision for next generation learning and teaching
• The interpersonal and relational skills to work collaboratively as part of an executive team and influence a diverse range of stakeholders
• Models and fosters a commitment to the safeguarding of children and promotes a culture where student protection is the responsibility of everyone
• Post graduate Masters qualifications combined with a track record of ongoing personal and professional learning; and accreditation to teach in a Catholic School (or commitment to obtain).

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 TS1586-17. 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); 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 DOSCEL schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference; and a faith-based reference with your 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 strongly 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, information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Deputy Executive Director 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.