Deputy Director – Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Armidale, NSW

The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) Diocese of Armidale serves 24 systemic schools around the New England and North West region of NSW. This is comprised of:

• 19 primary schools
• two central (K-10)
• three secondary (7-12)

The Catholic Diocese of Armidale is the second-largest diocese geographically in NSW and within our boundaries are the major centres of Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri, Inverell; and 13 other towns including; Uralla, Walcha, Guyra, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Walgett, Manilla, Warialda, Barraba, Mungindi, Wee Waa, Boggabri and Quirindi.

There are approximately 1,000 employees in teaching and non-teaching roles and the CSO aids schools in building a catholic professional learning community for almost 6,000 students across the Diocese.

Staff at the CSO are responsible for providing educational, administrative, information technology, industrial, financial and employee services support to these schools. All employees of the CSO have a shared vision, to work together and with school teams to improve learning, teaching and wellbeing; and to do this work with a common purpose centred on a contemporary Catholic worldview of bringing all to the fullness of life.

Living in Armidale

Armidale is a city in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. With an estimated population of 25,000 it is the administrative centre for the Northern Tablelands region. It is approximately halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and two hours from the coast.

Armidale has a unique blend of culture, state of the art technology, educational diversity and natural beauty. It enjoys a warm summer, tones of amber during the autumn, a crisp winter and an exhilarating spring.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the CSO website located at http://www.arm.catholic.edu.au/  You can also visit Armidale’s YouTube channel to access various videos – click here.

As people progress through this process, Trak Search will also ensure people are provided documentation covering Vision, Mission & Values; our Annual Improvement Plan for 2022; and our strategic plan ‘Towards 2025’.

Position Overview

Position Title: Deputy Director

Reports to: Director of Schools

Position Purpose

Armidale Catholic Schools system incorporates the Diocesan Catholic school and the Catholic Schools Office (CSO).

The Deputy Director of Catholic Schools provides religious, educational and organisational leadership and service faithful to Catholic educational aspirations of the Diocese of Armidale and to the Armidale Catholic Schools mission.

The role holder works with the Director and the CSO Leadership Team, ensuring there is cultural alignment and effective service delivery to promote the educational mission of the Church.

The Deputy Director of Catholic Schools supports the implementation of the Towards 2025 Strategic Plan for Catholic Schooling in the Diocese of Armidale. This document provides the foundation for the Deputy Director’s leadership and responsibilities and is achieved by providing system leadership through coordination, advocacy, representation, policy development and delivery of services to the Armidale Catholic school system to support the mission of Catholic education in the diocese.

As you progress through this project you will be provided a full position description; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

The Deputy Director has a number of team leaders as direct reports who manage key areas including administration; projects; finance, facilities and ICT; employee services and mission and learning.

There are significant relationships in the CSO, with the Director of Catholic Schools, and the Leadership Team of the CSO to whom the Director of Catholic Schools delegates responsibility for certain leadership and operational functions.

There are employer relationships especially with principals and senior staff in Catholic schools and with other staff members of the Armidale Catholic school system.

Externally this role will liaise with agencies of the Diocese, the Independent Education Union; Office of the Children’s Guardian; Catholic Employment Relations; Catholic Schools NSW; and other relevant agencies as needed.

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

Commencement

The commencement date is negotiable. Ideally the person could start in term 3 or term 4, however a 2023 commencement possible.

Location and Travel

The Catholic Schools Office is situated in Barney St, Armidale. Given the nature of the role, there will be time spent travelling to schools.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• A comprehensively insured vehicle is available as part of the role and will be supplied in accordance with CSO guidelines.
• Salary packaging is available.
• Payment of reasonable relocation expenses.
• A mobile phone and laptop are provided.
• The CSO provides additional, ex gratia leave during the Christmas period.
• There are ten ‘time in lieu’ days provided for people required to travel and so regularly away from home. This leave must be taken within the year it falls due, i.e., it does not accumulate.
• Further study and professional development opportunities.
• The successful candidate will be subject to mandatory child protection screening including a working with children check and a National Criminal History Record Check.
• The successful candidate will hold a current driver’s license and be willing and able to undertake travel to fulfil the requirements of this position.
• The initial contract period is for 5 years (with a standard 6-month probation period).

Selection Criteria

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

• A practising Catholic with respect of and a commitment to the Catholic ethos and a willingness to foster it.
• A highly proficient and experienced educational leader with a record of excellence in Catholic education.
• The ability to act strategically and systematically to develop creative and innovative solutions.
• High order communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Post-graduate qualifications in educational leadership with a record of ongoing professional development.
• Comply with the Framework for the Accreditation of Staff in Catholic Schools

Are You Interested in This Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1479. Please provide a brief resume and contact (mobile) 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 job alerts.

Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to 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 as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Trak Search is available for confidential enquiries. They will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how this 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 CSO schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Catholic Priest referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
• The CSO will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Director or his nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.

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.

 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. We are committed to adapting our recruitment processes to accommodate neurodiverse candidates; or people with different physical abilities.

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.