Manager of Professional Learning

Are you passionate about Christian education and eager to make a meaningful impact across a national network of schools? Christian Education National (CEN) is looking for a visionary leader to join our growing team in a part-time role.

• Manager of Professional Learning & Pedagogy

The position is 0.5 FTE (possibility to negotiate), with flexibility around location — ideally based on the East Coast of Australia.

CEN is a dynamic network supporting nearly 70 member schools across Australia. We exist to empower Christian education communities with resources, training, and guidance rooted in a shared faith and vision.

We're seeking an experienced, collaborative, forward-thinking professional with a deep passion for seeing CEN schools flourish in their distinct mission. You'll be part of a vibrant, supportive team, working in an environment that values innovation, faith, and a strong commitment to seeing Christian education thrive.

The CEN National office is located in Springwood NSW; however this role can be completed from alternate locations, with a preference towards a Greater Sydney or Melbourne location.

This role will be responsible for leading, developing, and coordinating the professional growth & teaching and learning strategy of CEN. This includes oversight of current programs, the creation of new initiatives, and the delivery of high-quality resources and events that strengthen Christian education across the network.

Support learning in schools through professional development, resource support, mentorship, and visioning with executive and learning leaders with an aim to help schools provide quality formative and transformational learning experiences for every student and develop professional learning networks to foster community and collaboration.

Strive to remain on the cutting edge of educational research and innovation. Working closely with schools, professional organisations and the National Institute for Christian Education to ensure CEN is current and engaged with global educational shifts and practices and provide advocacy and rich professional development for member schools.

• Provide strategic leadership of CEN's Professional Learning (PL) and Pedagogy portfolio, ensuring all initiatives align with CEN's mission, vision, and strategic direction.
• Regularly review, evaluate, and refine current PL offerings to confirm programs, events, services, resources and structures are meeting member schools' needs.
• Recommend improvements and design new programs that integrate faithful pedagogy and reflect leading practice in Christian education.
• Lead the development and delivery of a suite of professional learning offerings and special projects including but not limited to leadership, pedagogy, curriculum and assessment and coaching and mentoring.
• As a member of the CEN Executive Team, contribute to the development and implementation of the CEN's Strategic Plan and work collaboratively with Executive Team members to support the organisation's work across other key service areas.
• Manage and coordinate PL presenters and consultants, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery that models faithful practice and inspires professional growth.
• Lead the creation of resources that support Transformation by Design and other pedagogical frameworks, equipping schools to embed faithful practice in teaching and learning.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships—within CEN and with external educational partners—to extend the reach, depth, and impact of professional learning and pedagogy initiatives.
• Ensure all professional learning offerings remain responsive to research, sector trends, school needs, and the ongoing development of both faithful practice and leading practice in Christian education.
• Coordinate events that enhance leadership skills and ability and maximize opportunities for networking with other Christian school leaders, e.g. Corum Deo, Developing Leaders.
• Other duties/projects as identified by the Chief Executive Officer.

Click here to download the full Position Description

Qualifications / Skills / Experience

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Education

Knowledge and Experience

• Well-developed team leadership experience, with demonstrated success in a senior leadership role.
• Knowledge of and experience working in the education sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the school education landscape, at a state and national level.
• Experience in project and budget management.

Skills and Attributes

• A commitment to authentic team leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Outcomes focused, with strong skills in discernment and the desire and creativity to deliver effective strategic and operational results.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within and across teams to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Highly organised and able to prioritise well with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent oral, written, editing and presentation skills with outstanding attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in the use of ICT.

Applications should include the following:

• A cover letter including suitability to the role addressing the selection criteria on the position description.
• A full Resume/CV including qualifications and work experience.
• Provide the names and contact details of three professional referees.

Applications to be emailed to melinda.simson@cen.edu.au

Applications close Thursday 25 September 2025.