Do you have the talent, drive and ‘general management/CEO’ skills, to lead a diverse, complex educational setting – and do so with creativity and imagination?
Based in the historic town of Camden in the south-west of Sydney, Mater Dei was established as a special school in 1957. Mater Dei is a part of Good Samaritan Education (GSE) and is an organisation that provides therapy services and education for babies, children and adults with an intellectual disability or developmental delay.
The underpinning philosophy for all that they do is inclusion into the wider community. Inclusion is based on the dignity and uniqueness of each person, self-esteem, respect, equity, independence, interdependence and responsibility.
Mater Dei is most commonly recognised as a Catholic co-educational school for children with an intellectual disability, which supports nearly 150 students from Kindergarten to YR 12. Informed by evidence-based research, Mater Dei is now widely regarded as a world leader of innovative and contemporary education for children of school age with intellectual disability. Their work is supported by Dr Bree Jimenez, an internationally recognised leader in the education of students with high support needs.
However, they do more than support the learning and growth of their K-12 students. Their philosophy of ‘inclusion for all’ has led to Mater Dei to develop a broader range of services and support for:
- young adults in their post school years through NextPath which provides assessment and therapy programs; as well support for career pathways.
- Early Childhood Education for children of pre-school age. This comprises programs in early childhood education; ‘sector capacity building’ through working with other pre-schools; and a community-based pre-school (now in the approvals phase).
The Strategic Plan for 2020 to 2022 is due to be released by the end of 2019.
Structure
Mater Dei is incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Members of the Company represent and are accountable to GSE. The Board of Directors is appointed by the Members and is responsible for the management of the School. The Principal is responsible for the administration of the School and is accountable to the Board.
Good Samaritan Education
Mater Dei School is accountable to and benefits from being a member school of GSE. While each of the ten Colleges of GSE has due autonomy according to its Constitution and exercises its mission within a particular local community, the schools also operate in a collaborative manner for the common good of GSE. Learn more about GSE by visiting http://goodsameducation.org.au
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting http://www.materdei.org.au. Learn more about the NextPath program for young adults by clicking here.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Position Title: CEO/Principal
Reports to: Board of Directors
Context
While its range of support and service goes well beyond those of a traditional school, Mater Dei is proud to be one of the ten Australian Good Samaritan Colleges and a part of the Good Samaritan Education (GSE) network of Catholic schools in the Benedictine tradition.
Good Samaritan Colleges have the education of young people at the very heart of their mission, and base their approach to this on the Good Samaritan Schools Teaching and Learning Framework, with its focus on quality curriculum and right relationships through effective teaching and learning.
Position Purpose
The role of the Principal in a GSE school is to give expression to the Good Samaritan Philosophy of Education in an effective Catholic school.
This requires the Principal to engage with creativity and commitment in:
- Leading the learning community;
- Nurturing a faith-filled culture;
- Building a just and caring community;
- Engaging strategically in a futures orientation, based on vision;
- Acting as faithful steward of College resources.
Principals need to exercise leadership which:
- Draws on the strength of the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition;
- Is directed to the seeking of God;
- Is centred on Jesus Christ and his mission;
- Is committed to partnership and Christian community
- Is committed to participative leadership;
- Is responsive to its cultural context.
These role requirements will be lived out through relationships with key stakeholders in the College community.
A detailed position description and an organisation chart will be provided at a later stage of this project.
Reason for Vacancy
After 10 years as CEO/Principal of Mater Dei, Tony Fitzgerald has been appointed as Principal at another GSE school.
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable although it is anticipated the successful person will be able to start by January 2020.
Location
Mater Dei is located at 229 Macquarie Grove Rd, Camden NSW. Click here to view map.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
- The details and terms and conditions of appointment are contained in the contract of employment which will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
- The remuneration package will be comparable to that paid to Principals in Good Samaritan Colleges.
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
- The Principal will be appointed for an initial contract period of five years.
- Before appointment, an applicant must complete a “Working With Children Check” through the Office of the Children’s Guardian – please visit https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- A personal commitment to the Catholic Faith;
- The desire and capacity to learn and promote the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition;
- Experience as an educational leader with the talent, drive and ‘general management/CEO’ skills, to lead a diverse, complex and innovative setting – and do so with creativity and imagination!
- Empathy, interest and understanding of children and young people with an intellectual disability or developmental delay;
- A track record of ongoing personal and professional learning.
Are You Interested in This Opportunity?
If you are interested in this role, then simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email us at jobs@traksearch.com stating your interest and nominating ref number TS1413. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number.
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 job alert.
Any questions can be directed to either (a) our Director John Chesher by telephone (0417 068 220) or (b) email our office via jobs@traksearch.com.
The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.
The Selection Process
Key dates are as follows:
Date of project relaunch/advertising | Mon 14th Oct. |
Latest anticipated date for applications | Thur 31st Oct. |
Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing Mon 4th Nov. |
Anticipated date for client interviews | Wed 13th Nov. |
Final references; academic documents obtained | Following client interviews |
Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:
- Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for confidential discussions and to provide information to allow you to explore this opportunity and determine your interest in the role.
- A range of additional information will be provided to you as we progress through this process.
- At the outset you will not be required to: complete an application form; provide a lengthy document to address the selection criteria; or supply referee details. However, you will be invited to supply us with additional information (verbally and in writing) as you progress through the process.
- A late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the schedule. Please be aware however that any application received after close of business on the date noted above is more likely to be returned to you.
- At the appropriate time we will seek written consent to speak with referees – listing referees on your resume does not signify consent to do so.
- We expect to contact one work-related referee and a faith-based referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process. You should always expect that before reaching the final stage of the project, we will ask to speak with at least one person who has: directly managed you; recently; and for a significant period of time.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to Board Chair or his nominees unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
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.