Executive Director of Schools – Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, NSW

 Are you seeking an opportunity to:

• Lead the next chapter of a highly respected, growing and contemporary Catholic school system;
• Bring together Catholic mission, educational excellence and the flourishing of young people; and
• Build on strong foundations while shaping the future of 38 diverse school communities?

Diocese of Wollongong, NSW

On 30 November 2017 the Most Reverend Brian Mascord was appointed as the Fifth Bishop of Wollongong. Bishop Brian leads a Diocese covering the Illawarra, Macarthur (South West Sydney), Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands regions of NSW.

Across its 29 parishes, 38 schools, agencies and ministries, the Diocese brings together established communities and rapidly growing regions, each contributing to a rich and diverse expression of Catholic life.

Catholic Education

Catholic education is a significant contributor to the broader evangelising mission of the Church—a mission through which the person of Jesus Christ is made known and loved. Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) is a pastoral work of the Church in the Diocese of Wollongong, under the leadership of our chief teacher, Most Reverend Brian Mascord DD, Bishop of Wollongong.

Across its 38 schools, CEDoW serves approximately 21,000 students, supported by some 3,000 teachers and support staff throughout the Illawarra, Macarthur, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions. Together, the 38 schools and Catholic Education Office constitute the system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wollongong.

CEDoW’s mission is to create vibrant Catholic school communities where every student finds meaning and purpose in their lives through experiencing continual growth in faith and improvement in learning. Led by the Executive Director of Schools, Lighting The Way is the strategic plan that sets out the ambitions to improve the experience and outcomes for our students, staff, and school communities.

This appointment offers the opportunity to lead a Catholic school system with strong foundations, a clear strategic direction and a deep commitment to the faith, learning, wellbeing and flourishing of young people. It is a role of considerable responsibility, but also one of great privilege and joy—working with the Bishop, clergy, school leaders and communities to shape the continuing contribution of Catholic education across a diverse and growing Diocese.

The Diocesan Schools Council: The Diocesan Schools Council provides expert advice to the Bishop on the strategic direction and operation of the Catholic school system, supporting CEDoW to fulfil its purpose as an expression of the Church’s mission.

 Living in the Diocese of Wollongong

The Diocese is blessed with a remarkable diversity of settings—from rural and urban communities to coastal and highland locations, established townships and some of the fastest-growing areas in Australia.

Spanning the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands, it offers an exceptional choice of lifestyles, combining natural beauty, strong communities and convenient access to Sydney. It is a place where people can build both a rewarding career and a fulfilling life.

Further Information

Further information (including the strategic plan Lighting The Way) is available from https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Executive Director of Schools

Reports to: Bishop of Wollongong with accountability through the Diocesan Schools Council

Position Purpose

The Executive Director of Schools provides strategic, educational, and faith leadership across Catholic systemic schools within the Diocese of Wollongong, leading a contemporary Catholic education system committed to continual growth in faith and improvement in learning.

Reporting directly to the Bishop of Wollongong and working closely with the Diocesan Schools Council, the Executive Director leads the next phase of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) development—strengthening its Catholic identity and mission, enabling excellence in learning and wellbeing, empowering school leaders, and positioning the system to respond to future growth and changing educational, workforce and community needs.

The position holds delegated authority under canon law to manage the CEDoW system within the contemporary Australian and NSW educational landscape. The Executive Director leads the CEDoW Executive Leadership Team, serving as a key representative of the Bishop across school communities, diocesan parishes and pastoral works, and external bodies.

This is an opportunity to build upon significant progress rather than begin again. The next Executive Director will honour the strengths and momentum of Lighting The Way, while bringing fresh insight and working with the Bishop, Diocesan Schools Council, clergy, leaders and school communities to shape the Diocese’s next chapter.

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 areas of Focus

• Working with the Bishop, clergy, school leaders and communities to maintain and deepen an authentic, Christ-centred Catholic identity across a diverse school system in a changing cultural and demographic environment.
• Building upon the progress of Lighting The Way and shaping the next stage of educational improvement.
• Responding to growth through new schools, expanded infrastructure and responsible financial stewardship.
• Developing leaders and strengthening the attraction, formation and retention of an outstanding workforce.
• Navigating changing funding, regulatory and compliance requirements while advocating confidently for Catholic education.

Key Relationships within the Diocese

• Reporting directly to the Bishop of Wollongong and working closely with the Diocesan Schools Council, the Bishop’s advisory body for Catholic schools in the Diocese.
• The role has direct line management of the Executive Assistant, the Deputy Executive Director and six Directors, who together comprise the Executive Leadership Team.
• There is also Executive line-management authority for all CEDoW School Principals, delegated operationally through the Deputy Executive Director and Heads of Continuous Catholic School Improvement.
• The Executive Director of Schools is a crucial lay leadership role that supports the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Wollongong. Accordingly, the role has important relationships with the Vicar General, Parish Priests, Bishop’s Office Executive Director/Chancellor, the Catholic Development Fund GM and CatholicCare’s CEO.

The relevant organisation charts will be provided at a later stage in this project.

Reason for Vacancy

After seven years of outstanding service as Executive Director of Schools, Peter Hill will conclude his appointment and return to his home city of Brisbane. His leadership has contributed significantly to the present strength and direction of CEDoW.

Commencement

The commencement date is negotiable. Ideally, the successful candidate will commence at or before the beginning of the 2027 school year, although appropriate notice requirements will be accommodated.

Location and Travel

The central office is located at 280-286 Keira Street, Wollongong. Given the geographic spread of the Diocese combined with the need for the Executive Director to be visible in schools and parishes, as well as involved in wider forums (for example NSW Directors & CSNSW meetings in Sydney), regular travel is required.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• Salary packaging is available.
• Tenure: the initial appointment is for 5 years and, subject to a performance review in the 5th year, may be renewed for a further period.
• The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• The role is based in Wollongong and requires a strong and visible presence across the Diocese. Relocation assistance may be available to the successful candidate.
• This is a full-time leadership position which involves extended hours, evening meetings as well as travel that includes overnight absence from home.
• Applicants will require a current Driver Licence.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and obtain clearance with an AFP/police check.

Selection Criteria

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, Most Reverend Brian Mascord, invites applications from people who align with the following criteria:

• An active and practising Catholic who can provide authentic faith and missionary leadership and articulate a contemporary and compelling vision for Catholic education.
• An educational leader with a genuine love of young people and schools and a record of improving, at scale, teaching, learning, student wellbeing and Catholic identity.
• A highly credible and contemporary educator with substantial senior leadership experience and the capability to lead a large, complex and geographically dispersed Catholic school system.
• A strategic and forward-looking leader who can build upon existing progress, lead change and make sound and timely decisions in a complex environment.
• A visible, relational and trusted leader who can unite people, develop others and work effectively with the Bishop, clergy, principals, school communities and external stakeholders.
• Strong financial, governance, safeguarding, risk and people leadership experience.
• Postgraduate qualifications in theology, education, leadership, management or a related discipline will be expected, combined with a track record of ongoing personal and professional learning.

In essence, our schools are seeking a senior Catholic education leader with a love of young people and schools, who can provide authentic faith, educational and strategic leadership across a large and complex system. The person will be a visible, relational and courageous leader who can unite people around the mission of Catholic education while building upon current progress and leading its next stage.

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 TS1592-58. 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 DOW schedule.
• We expect to complete one work-related reference and one faith-based reference, with a Catholic priest, before 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 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; AFP/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 Bishop and designated representatives, 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.