Deputy Director: Teaching and Learning – Catholic Education, Darwin, Northern Territory

Bring your ambition to life

Led by the Bishop of Darwin, Most Rev Charles Gauci, the Catholic Diocese of Darwin is diverse and geographically vast, covering 1,350,000 square kilometres. We enjoy the vibrancy of over 80 cultures, each contributing to a fascinating tapestry of faith and tradition. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the first Australians, figure largely in our Diocese, with 26.8 percent of our Catholic population Indigenous to Australia.

Catholic Education Northern Territory comprises 18 Catholic schools (six colleges, seven primary schools and five remote schools) with an enrolment of approximately 5,000 students and 900 staff.

Catholic Education Council of the NT (CEC NT)

The CEC NT is the principal advisory and consultative body on education to the Bishop of Darwin. Council monitors and reviews the strategic directions of Catholic education in the Diocese and provides a representative forum for parents and Catholic communities, clergy and parishes on matters of education.

Catholic Education Office (CEO)

The CEO is situated at 17 Beaton Road, Berrimah and employs approximately 70 staff. The CEO provides a range of services and support to enhance the quality of education available to students in the following key areas:

• Catholic Identity
• Leadership
• Teaching and Learning
• Finance
• Facilities and Resources
• Community and Culture
• Pastoral Care and Wellbeing.

Life in Darwin

While it is 6 years old, you can obtain a glimpse of life in Darwin, (via a video produced by the NT Government), by visiting https://youtu.be/nzVWiyVnIX4

Further Information

Additional information (including the Strategic Plan and Annual Reports) can be viewed by visiting the NT Catholic Education website located at http://www.ceont.catholic.edu.au/

Position Overview

Position Title: Deputy Director: Teaching and Learning

Reports to:       Director of Catholic Education

Position Context and Purpose

Led by the Director of Catholic Education, the Deputy Director along with three other senior roles, form a collaborative leadership Executive for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Darwin, with a shared vision and commitment to the goals of the Strategic Plan 2018- 2022, for Catholic Education Northern Territory.

Together, the Executive provides strategic and pastoral leadership for Catholic school communities and staff of the Catholic Education Office, supporting, nurturing, building, challenging and engaging in the Catholic story. They advocate on behalf of Catholic Education and within their portfolio responsibilities, bringing to life the vision for excellence in Catholic Education.

The Deputy Director Teaching and Learning is responsible to the Director of Catholic Education for ensuring that Catholic schools provide inclusive, challenging curricula and effective teaching and learning programs. This role will work collaboratively with the Catholic Education Office (CEO) and School Leadership Teams to provide strategic and practical support. It will ensure that policies, systems and processes are developed to foster this vision, underpinned by guiding principles that are robust, contemporary and responsive with demonstrated success.

A detailed position description will be provided later in the process.

Initial Priorities

• Continue the formulation and implementation of our System Pedagogical Framework.
• Lead system improvement and renewal processes.
• Implementation of key system pedagogical priorities that include Data Informed Practice; and Instructional Coaching.
• Ensure schools’ learning and pedagogical frameworks are fit for purpose.
• Review the breadth of professional development programs and identify those that are positively impacting staff expertise.
• Representation on key decision making bodies that includes the Board of Studies and ACARA.

Key Relationships

Reporting to the Director, this position leads a team of key leaders with direct people reporting:

• Leader of Teaching and Learning
• Leader of Catholic Identity
• Leader of Inclusion
• Administration Assistant

Reason for Vacancy

After 2 ½ years in this role the incumbent is retiring at the end of June.

Commencement

While the start date is negotiable, ideally the successful applicant will be available (in some capacity) during June to be involved in handover activities. This would provide a smooth transition for a likely commencement in July/August.

Location and Travel

The CEO situated at 17 Beaton Road, Berrimah, which is a suburb of Darwin. Given the seniority of this executive position, significant intrastate and interstate travel is anticipated.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package reflects the seniority of the appointment and will be discussed as we step through the process.
• The initial contract period is for five (5) years subject to satisfactory performance, with further contract periods subject to an appraisal according to policy.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• The Working with Children Card (Ochre Card NT) is a mandated requirement.
• Teacher Registration NT is a mandated requirement.
• Applicants will require a current “C” Class Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Selection Criteria

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

• An active participation in a Catholic Eucharistic Community with a personal commitment to the development of her/his faith and spirituality;
• A career in Catholic education with experience in a senior leadership position such as a principal and/or within a Catholic Education Office;
• Deep understanding of trends and developments in the provision of schooling in the following areas: school management / leadership; curriculum (including Religious Education); pedagogy; learning design, assessment and reporting; staff support and development;
• The interpersonal and relational skills to work collaboratively as part of an executive team, with matrix responsibilities, to achieve shared outcomes;
• Ability to work effectively will Indigenous students, families, staff in a range of multilayered contexts;
• Relevant post graduate qualifications combined with 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 TS1405. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number.

At this stage we do NOT ask you to address the selection criteria or provide an application document – just complete the panel on this page or send a brief email to Trak Search to indicate your interest in ‘Deputy Director NT TS1405’; and provide your brief resume and contact telephone number.

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:

The time delay from closing date to likely interviews is to ensure that people interested in the role are not inconvenienced due to prior commitments during the term break.

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 Catholic priest 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 Director or his 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.