Chief Executive Officer – CEnet, Wollongong, NSW

Can you lead CEnet as it is poised for the next phase of its development?

CEnet is a shared IT services organisation supporting Catholic Diocesan education networks that connect school communities across metropolitan, regional and rural Queensland, NSW, Tasmania and the ACT. CEnet is owned by 16 Catholic Dioceses (its Members).

CEnet’s user population includes over 294,000 students, 34,000 teachers and administrative staff in more than 770 schools. CEnet’s member dioceses share a common vision for a network and learning architecture which supports education and evangelisation in the digital age and they have put their combined resources behind the development of a centralised managed services architecture designed to be flexible and scalable, to deliver its services.

History

The origins of CEnet lay within a joint venture between the dioceses of Broken Bay, Wagga Wagga, and Wollongong which took the name CASTnet and was launched in 2003.

The network has evolved rapidly since that time to now support 16 Dioceses. Due to the rapid growth a decision was made in late 2006 to form a new company to procure, manage and guide the services of the network.

CEnet’s growth has been accompanied by a series of inter-diocesan projects and broad professional development programs. The addition of each new diocese to CEnet has also expanded the skill and experience base within the venture.

The infrastructure at the heart of the CEnet service is under constant review to support the growing capacity of nearly 800 schools and remote offices. The IT Services group continually evaluates a wide range of technologies that may be employed to enhance the network.

CEnet is now poised to enter the next phase of its story. Considerable work has occurred to position CEnet for this next stage of its life-cycle.

Vision

CEnet will provide world-class, cost effective, enterprise ICT services to our membership positioning them as leaders in the delivery of education in the digital age.

Mission

CEnet exists to centrally procure and manage a range of ICT Shared Services for members aligned to their common goals for evangelisation, learning and teaching and administration.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed at the CEnet website at http://www.cenet.catholic.edu.au

Position Overview

Position Title: Chief Executive Officer

Reports to:       CEnet Board through the Chairman of the Board

Job Context

CEnet is a not-for-profit shared service Company limited by guarantee. The organisation is focussed on the delivery of IT services to Catholic schools and associated agencies.

With 45 staff and numerous contracts with third party IT suppliers, CEnet liaises with various peak bodies and governmental departments in both the educational and technology arenas. It has an ever-growing reputation for operational excellence and innovation and has achieved regional, national and international recognition.

Overall Purpose

To lead and manage CEnet to fulfil the Mission and Vision as articulated by the Board. The CEO is responsible for assisting the Board in setting strategic directions, developing policies and managing the company’s operations and services to members.

The Constitution of CEnet sets out the role and responsibilities of the CEO. A copy of the current Constitution will be made available at a later stage of this project.

Accountabilities

Key focus areas for the CEO include:

• Governance and the Board – includes communication and collegial relationship with the Board; and regular meeting and consulting with the Chairman.
• Strategic Leadership and Planning – includes ensuring vision, mission, values and strategy are in alignment; and that the operational plan is delivered to support the Strategic Plan.
• Leadership: People & Culture
• Operational Management
• Compliance – includes ensuring legal, ethical and professional practices are consistent with legislation, policies, industry and Board expectations.

A full position description will be supplied later in this project.

 Key Relationships

Critical to the success of the role is building effective links with key groups, including Diocesan Directors and their designated senior education and corporate service managers as well as diocesan ICT personnel who are key stakeholders. Resource links are maintained with the wider education community including State and Federal Departments. Strong links with suppliers and other 3rd parties are also vital.

A copy of the CEnet organisation chart will be provided at a later stage of this project.

Commencement

Commencement date is negotiable, however an April start date would allow for a smooth transition of leadership.

Location and Travel

The CEnet office is located at 111-113 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW. Applications from people living outside the Illawarra region are welcome.

Given the importance of maintaining relationships with the 16 member Dioceses, regular travel is required.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Annual leave is 4 weeks per year.
• The initial appointment period will be four years with the expectation of renewal for a further contract on the successful completion of a major performance review in the final year of the contract. The initial probation period is 6 months.
• An annual appraisal process exists.
• Tools of trade include company motor vehicle, smart phone, tablet, computer at home or laptop.

Selection Criteria

We anticipate that people interested in this role will be able to demonstrate:

• A personal commitment to the teachings and practice of the Catholic Faith;
• Experience at a senior leadership level, ideally as a GM, COO or CEO.
• This senior experience will include:
  • success in transforming, leading and delivering in a sizable, complex organisation;
  • developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships and stakeholder relationships;
  • using business acumen and an understanding of governance and risk management to ensure the commercial sustainability of an enterprise;
  • expertise in leading and managing high performing teams; and
  • developing strategy whilst delivering on operational requirements.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• An openness to new ideas and different viewpoints with a capacity for innovation and creativity.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in business, management and/or governance, combined with a track record of ongoing personal and professional learning.

The following aspects, while not essential, would be an advantage:

• experience working within and leading an agency of the Catholic Church.
• experience in a shared service organisation and/or non-profit sector.
• an Education or IT background.

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 TS1424. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number (mobile preferred).

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:

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.
• Closing is 5.00pm (AEDT) on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the schedule.
• 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 Priest/Religious 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 the Chairman of CEnet or their nominee 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.