Archbishop Christopher Prowse was appointed by Pope Francis as Archbishop to the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese on September 12, 2013 and his installation Mass at St. Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra was held a few months later, on November 19.
Within the Archdiocese, which extends from Lake Cargelligo to Goulburn, and Jindabyne to the shores of Narooma, 163,000 people profess their faith as Catholic. The Archdiocese is comprised of 55 parishes and is blessed to have 64 Diocesan Priests, 23 Religious Priests and 9 permanent Deacons, as well as 15 Religious Brothers and 123 Religious Sisters.
The Archdiocesan mission can be seen throughout various ministries and services, including within 4 hospitals, 10 nursing and convalescence homes and children’s welfare centre. Many are serving in education, with 1,700 teachers reaching 21,000 school children in 56 Catholic schools. In non-government schools, 200 Catechists are reaching over 2,200 students.
At the centre, geographically, is the nation’s capital, Canberra.
Catholic Education Commission
The Archbishop is responsible for the oversight of all Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
The Catholic Education Commission (CEC) is established to support and advise the Archbishop in his responsibilities for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. The CEC advises and makes recommendations to the Archbishop but does not make decisions. The CEC is not an incorporated body.
Catholic Schools
Our Mission
“As an inclusive and welcoming community, the Catholic Education office gives witness to the values of Jesus Christ through leadership, support and services to Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese”
Led by Archbishop Christopher Prowse, the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn has schools extending from Pambula on the south coast, to Crookwell in the North, through to the western point of Lake Cargelligo.
There are 56 System Schools and 7 Catholic Early Learning Centres in the Archdiocese:
ACT
24 Primary Schools
5 Secondary Colleges
7 Catholic Early Learning Centres
NSW
19 Primary Schools
3 Secondary Colleges
4 K – 10 Schools (Central Schools)
1 K – 12 School
The school system educates over 21,000 students, with nearly 1,700 Teachers and Support Staff and a Catholic Education office of approx. 90 staff members who support the schools.
Catholic Education Leadership Team
The Catholic Education Service Area Leadership Team (SALT) is made up of the Heads of Service and the Director of Education. There are six Heads of Service, each with responsibility for a specific area of operation:
- School Services
- Directorate Services
- Religious Education and Curriculum Services
- Resource Management and Strategy
- Human Resource Services
- Information, Communication & Learning Technologies
Further Information
Additional information, including strategic planning documentation, can be viewed by visiting: https://cg.catholic.edu.au/
Position Overview
Position Title: Director of Education
Reports to: The Archbishop of Canberra & Goulburn
Overall Purpose of the Position
Within the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, the Director of Education is the Chief Executive Officer for the system of 56 Catholic schools. The Director is responsible to the Archbishop and the Catholic Education Commission for the leadership of the system of schools on behalf of the Catholic community.
The purpose of this leadership is to ensure that the system of schools reflects and gives witness to the mission of the Catholic Church, provides quality Catholic education and quality administration of the system within the Catholic Education office.
Reason for Vacancy
Moira Najdecki was appointed Archdiocesan Director of Catholic Education in 2007. She retires from this role in January 2017.
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable however anticipated to be no later than January 2017, although an earlier date would assist in the transition of leadership.
Initial areas of priority
- Given the outstanding success of the current Director over such a significant period, the new Director is expected to
- Take the time to develop an understanding of the history, values and strategic directions of this System of schools which spans the ACT and NSW
- Build relationships with all school communities, the Catholic Education Commission, Catholic Education staff and leaders of other Catholic Archdiocesan agencies. This will also involve considerable travel to schools, the most distant being a 5 hour drive from Canberra.
- Work collaboratively with other Dioceses in leading and managing the changing environment, some of which is being led by government.
- Working with the Archbishop and the RE team, revisit and further develop the Religious Education program provided to Catholic schools.
Location
The Catholic Education office is located at 52-54 Franklin Street, Manuka ACT. During 2017 the senior leadership of Catholic Education and some CEO staff will relocate to nearby premises with other Archdiocesan leaders.
Conditions of Employment
- The remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant
- Leave: 4 weeks of annual leave; 2 weeks Professional Learning leave; ex gratia leave between Christmas and New Year.
- The initial contract term of the appointment will be 5 years with consideration given to an additional 5 years, subject to a major appraisal in final year of the initial contract.
- There is an annual appraisal process.
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
- The successful applicant will undertake a Working with Vulnerable People Check, A Working with Children Check and a National Police Checking Service (Crimtrac) prior to appointment.
- Applicants will require a current “C” Class Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Selection Criteria
The Archbishop of Canberra & Goulburn invites expressions of interest from people able to demonstrate:
- An embedded Catholic faith and commitment to the values and teachings of the Catholic Church
- An active participation in the life of their Parish and able to provide a priest as a referee
- A career built in Catholic education, ideally comprising a mix of: a senior system level role; school leadership; and an understanding of the national agenda and current educational issues
- A highly relational style with a desire to engage with people; capable of building and maintaining effective, cohesive relationships
- A track record of ongoing personal and professional learning combined with post-graduate qualifications. Formal study in areas such as theology or educational leadership would be a distinct advantage
Are you Interested in This Opportunity?
If you are interested in this role, there are two options for you to proceed:
- If interested, but have questions requiring a response before deciding whether to progress, then either (a) telephone our Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email our office via mail@traksearch.com or from this page of our website with your questions.
- If and when you have enough information to start this process, then simply email us at mail@traksearch.com or from this page of our website stating your interest in this role and nominating ref number TS1340; also providing a contact telephone number.
At this stage we do NOT ask for you to labour over selection criteria, provide a resume or any application document – just a one-line email to Trak Search to indicate your interest in ‘Director of Education, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, TS1340’ and providing your contact telephone number. 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 launch/advertising | Fri 29th/Sat 30th July |
Trak Search discussions commence | From Mon 8th Aug |
Latest anticipated date for applications | Wed 17th Aug |
Initial reference checks by Trak Search | From week commencing Mon 22nd Aug |
Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing 5th Sept |
Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 12th or 19th Sept |
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 resume or lengthy, comprehensive document to address the selection criteria; or provide any 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 (refer above) we will seek written consent to speak with referees – listing referees on your resume does not signify consent.
- We expect to contact one work related referee and a Priest referee prior to short listing, with additional references completed later in the process. You should always expect that prior to 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 time period.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to short listing, in confidence, to the Archbishop 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.