Chief Catholic Identity and Mission Officer – Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd

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

• Shape the future of Catholic education by leading identity and mission across a vibrant diocesan system of 44 schools.
• Partner at the executive level to embed faith, purpose and Gospel values into every aspect of organisational life.
• Drive meaningful impact through system-wide leadership of Religious Education, Formation and Catholic Identity.

 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 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.

Inclusion – We dialogue, discern, and journey together; embracing difference, inviting contribution, respecting the dignity of the individual and showing empathy as we harness the power of our collective contribution.

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, Bishops Office, 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/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Chief Catholic Identity and Mission Officer

Reports to: Deputy Executive Director

Position Purpose

The Chief Catholic Identity and Mission Officer provides strategic leadership and stewardship of Catholic identity and mission across the Diocese, ensuring the teachings, values and traditions of the Catholic Church are authentically lived, taught and witnessed in all schools and Office operations.

The role is responsible for promoting and embedding Catholic identity in all aspects of learning and teaching, school culture, community engagement and leadership formation. Through oversight of the Religious Education curriculum, pedagogy, staff accreditation, parish partnerships and strategic communications, the role fosters a deep and vibrant Catholic faith experience for students, staff, families and communities.

As a member of the Catholic Identity, Leadership, Learning and Teaching (CILLT) Leadership Team, the Chief Catholic Identity and Mission Officer works collaboratively to ensure that Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale is a lived expression of the Gospel, responsive to contemporary challenges and faithful to the evangelising mission of the Church in Australia.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Chief Catholic Identity and Mission 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
• Religious Education and Faith Formation
• Child Safety and Inclusive Practice throughout all Catholic Identity and Mission Services
• Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
• Strategic marketing and communications
• Governance, risk and reporting

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 5 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.

The position also has a collegial relationship with the Bishop and the Clergy of the Diocese.

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

Commencement

There is flexibility and negotiability regarding the commencement date. However, as the position becomes vacant from July, a commencement early 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 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:
  • Having led and implemented religious education curriculum, pedagogy and formation strategies for staff.
  • Creation of meaningful liturgical experiences.
  • Success in building engagement and lifting school workforce Religious Education capability and embedding Catholic Identity within schools and their community.
  • ideally with demonstrated capacity to lead and embed the Enhancing Catholic School Identity
• Proven ability to build, influence and sustain strategic, collaborative relationships, including with the Bishop, Board, clergy and Catholic agencies.
• 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, such as in Theology or RE; and accreditation to teach Religious Education 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 TS1587-26. 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); 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 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.