Consultant to Schools – Catholic Education Bathurst, NSW

Have you:

• Reached the point where you would like to influence the success of many schools, not just one?
• Considered the next step beyond secondary principalship into system leadership?
• Thought about a lifestyle change that combines high impact work with the quality of life offered in a large regional community?

Led by Bishop Michael McKenna, the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst covers a large part of rural NSW. It is a mix of regional and rural communities, with major regional centres including Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst, Mudgee, Cowra and Lithgow.

Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Ltd(CEDB) provides a diverse range of educational options within the Diocese. CEDB support 33 school communities comprising: 25 primary schools; 1 K-10 school; 4 secondary colleges; and 3 K-12 schools.

With approximately 10,000 students and employing more than 2,000 staff, the schools are supported by staff located in two offices: the main office in Bathurst and a regional office in Dubbo.

Living in Bathurst

Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland European settlement, located on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, and offers a strong cultural identity and lifestyle for residents of all ages.

The Bathurst region is home for approx. 45,000 people and appeals to those who want a balanced and affordable lifestyle, strong community values, a touch of heritage and culture, and the outdoors — all without the hustle, expense and congestion of major metropolitan living.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the CEDB website located at: https://www.bth.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: Consultant to Schools K-12

Reports to: Head: School Improvement, Data & Governance

Position Purpose

The consultant leads a network of high performing schools, providing leadership, mentoring and strategic support to Principals and leadership teams, fostering strong partnerships and promoting continual school improvement including excellence in teaching, learning, wellbeing and faith formation. The portfolio of schools for this role comprises secondary colleges, K-12 schools and some primary schools.

The role also provides leadership within Catholic Schools Diocese of Bathurst, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing CEDB leadership team.

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

This role is one of three Consultant to Schools positions reporting to the Head: School Improvement, Data & Governance who in turn is accountable to the Executive Director of Schools. This is a collegial team, although each Consultant has a portfolio of schools they work most closely with.

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

Reason for Vacancy

The incumbent has decided to return to schools and will take up a principal appointment.

Commencement

The start date is negotiable. Ideally the person could commence, in some capacity, during term 4.

Location and Travel

This position is based in Bathurst within a new office recently opened at 173-179 George Street.

Given the nature of the role, there will be considerable time spent travelling to and within schools. Most travel will be in proximity to Bathurst. For example, the furthest college (St Johns Dubbo) is a 2.5 hour drive.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• A fully maintained company vehicle is provided.
• There is 7 weeks of annual leave as well as leave during the close between Christmas and New Year.
• There is access to salary packaging and Fitness Passport.
• The initial contract period is 5 years. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• The expectation is the person will live in Bathurst, so relocation assistance is available.
• This is a fulltime leadership position which involves extended hours, evening meetings as well as travel that could include overnight absence from home.
• Applicants will require a current Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and get clearance with a Police Check.

Selection Criteria

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

• Commitment to and practise of the Catholic faith.
• Experience as a secondary Principal, with the desire and willingness to support primary and secondary schools.
• A leader with outstanding interpersonal skills.
• An educational leader that will embrace the CEDB’s Mission, Vision and Values to lead a coherent Catholic Professional Learning Community aligned to the CEDB Strategic Plan.
• Hold professional qualifications:
  • An education degree and relevant post graduate qualification; and
  • Accredited at Category E (Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead Policy) or willingness to undertake appropriate post graduate courses to achieve this during the first contract.
  • Be NESA accredited or be eligible to be accredited by NESA to teach in NSW.

We are seeking an experienced secondary principal with the capacity to actively support principals to lead teaching and learning in their schools, address barriers to school improvement, and foster the development of a cohesive teaching and learning culture that is student-centred.

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 TS1591-17. 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 CEDB 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.
• While a face-to-face meeting is much 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 Executive Director and her team, 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.