The Diocese of Bathurst covers a large part of rural NSW extending from Bathurst, south to Oberon and Cowra; north to Coonamble; and west to Cowra and Eugowra; with major regional centres including Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst and Lithgow.
Catholic Education
The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst provides a diverse range of educational options, from primary schools in small rural communities to large secondary schools. They promote a culture where ‘students are at the centre of all that we do.’
The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB), provides support to 33 school communities comprising: 26 primary schools; 1 K-10 school; 2 K-12 schools; and 4 secondary colleges.
With approximately 9,000 students and employing more than 1000 staff, the Diocese covers a significant area of rural NSW. The CEDB schools are supported by 50-60 staff located in two offices: the main office in Bathurst (Kelso) and a regional office in Dubbo.
Vision and Mission
“With Jesus Christ as our inspiration and guide, we are called to provide high quality Catholic education in the Diocese of Bathurst.”
“In partnership with the family, parish and community, our schools nurture a relationship with Jesus, celebrate and share the Catholic faith, and educate to enable all to make a positive contribution to the world.”
Diocesan Catholic Education Council
The DCEC is the chief advisory body to the Bishop for developing policies in the area of education for the Diocese of Bathurst. The Council’s work is devoted to the oversight of the Catholic school system as well as to the catechesis of Catholic children and young people.
Living in Bathurst
With a population of more than 40,000, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland city. It is less than a three-hour drive from Sydney, making it close enough to access but far enough away to retain its unique regional feel. Bathurst is a regional education centre with a large number of schools and a University (CSU).
Further Information
A range of additional information, including the organisation structure and Governance framework, can be accessed at website http://www.bth.catholic.edu.au/Home
Position Overview
Position Title: Executive Director of Schools
Reports to: Bishop, Diocese of Bathurst through the Vicar for Catholic Education and the Diocesan Catholic Education Council.
Position Purpose
The Executive Director of Schools provides inspirational and strategic leadership at the symbolic, religious, educational and organisational levels for the Diocesan System of Schools within the Diocese of Bathurst.
System wide responsibility necessitates that the Executive Director models Gospel values which underpin the ministry of Catholic education. The Executive Director articulates and leads the development of the Diocesan Vision and Mission of Catholic schools, including the development of the educational vision of schooling. The Executive Director leads the development of the System’s strategic priorities which support quality schooling and the development of system wide processes which will deliver educational outcomes which meet standards of best practice.
The Executive Director of Schools is also responsible for the provision of sound systems and services in the Catholic Education offices located at Bathurst and Dubbo.
Key Areas of Accountability
- Strategic leadership relating to the Vision and Mission of Catholic education.
- Strategic leadership relating to the purposes and provision of Catholic schooling.
- Strategic Leadership of Quality schooling.
- Control and management of System resources.
- Relationships with educating communities.
- Schools Marketing and Promotions.
- Quality System communications.
A full position description will be provided at a later stage of this recruitment process.
Key Relationships
The Organisational Model for Catholic Education can be viewed by clicking here.
Reason for Vacancy
After 8 years in this role, Mrs Jenny Allen has announced her retirement.
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable however it is anticipated to be no later than the end of Term 1 2020. A January 2020 start date would provide for a smoother transition of leadership.
Location and Travel
This role will be based within the CEDB office located in Gilmour Street, Kelso. Given the geographic spread of the Diocese combined with the need for the Director to be visible in schools as well as involved in wider forums (for example NSW Directors & CSNSW meetings in Sydney), regular travel is required. At times the current Director has been away from Bathurst for a full week at a time.
Conditions of Employment
The remuneration package for this role is as agreed by the NSW/ACT Bishops and includes:
- Salary: paid in accordance with the scale agreed by the NSW/ACT Bishops. This will be discussed at a later stage of the recruitment process.
- Motor vehicle: a fully maintained vehicle for business and personal use is provided.
- Superannuation: 9.5%.
Other relevant information:
- Salary packaging is available.
- An annual appraisal process occurs.
- Tenure: the initial appointment is for 5 years and, subject to a performance review in the 5th year, renewed for an additional period.
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
- 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
- Applicants will require a current “C” Class Driver’s Licence.
Selection Criteria
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst, Most Reverend Michael McKenna, invites expressions of interest for this role from people able to demonstrate:
- A genuine, deeply embedded Catholic faith and an active member of a Catholic Eucharistic Community;
- The capacity to articulate a contemporary understanding of the Catholic Church’s mission in education;
- A career immersed in Catholic education with senior leadership experience;
- The personal attributes and leadership skills required to thrive while supporting a large education community to meet the emerging needs and future challenges of an ever-changing environment;
- Life-long learning through ongoing personal and professional inquiry.
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 TS1408. Whichever option you choose, please provide a 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:
| Date of project launch/advertising | Fri 21 June |
| Latest anticipated date for applications | Wed 17 July |
| Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing Mon 29 July |
| Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 5 or 12 August |
| 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 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 Bishop, 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.
