Director of First Nations Education

Director of First Nations Education - National Office (Eagle Farm)

About Us

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Flexible Schools Ltd currently educates over 2,400 young people in 21 Flexible Learning Schools (12 in Queensland and 9 across Australia) and two Special Education Services Schools in NSW, with approximately 700 staff nationally. Flexi schools serve young people who experience complex educational, social or psychological situations which demand unique responses.

We enable young people to engage in education in a supported learning environment through a trauma-informed methodology, to co-create a Common Ground using Operation by Principles, in which the principles of Honesty, Respect, Participation, Safe & Legal are embedded. Our special schools serve young people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.

About the Role

The Director of First Nations Education provides strategic leadership, oversight and advice through meaningful connections with First Nations Peoples, communities, and stakeholders. As a member of the National Team, the Director will bring a First Nations voice and lens to all organisational decisions.

This role partners with Regional Directors, Principals and regional First Nations Leaders to develop, monitor and support the implementation of the EREA Flexible Schools Ltd First Nations Education Framework, provide support for complex matters, and lead relevant personnel in a strong Community of Practice. The role also works closely with the Director of Practice and Identity and the Director of Learning and Pedagogy to foster cultural change and continuous improvement.

To view the Position Description, please click HERE.

Key Attributes and Experience

• Understanding of and commitment to the values of a Catholic educational system of schools in the Edmund Rice tradition.
• Proven senior leadership experience, strategic and operational, with strong administrative, communication and leadership skills related to this position.
• High-level communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills for a complex organisational structure.
• Appropriate tertiary qualifications.
• Qualities and skills identified by First Nations People as important in leaders: Respect for culture; Self-awareness and confidence; Integrity and wisdom; Clear communication and direction; Good mediation and negotiation skills; Enthusiasm and ability to inspire and empower; Adaptability and humility; Strategic thinking; Community-minded.
• Extensive professional experience with First Nations People and Communities, with recognition in First Nations leadership.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and ability to develop, implement and manage strategic plans to achieve outcomes.
• Understanding of national and international contexts for First Nations Peoples in education.
• Innovative, influential and authoritative leadership and change agent capabilities.
• Strong networking with First Nations communities, industry, government organisations and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to diagnose problems, foresee issues and devise appropriate responses.
• Ability to support the National Director of School Support and CEO through organisational and administrative capacity.

Additional requirement: To perform this role, it is essential that the person be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The person will be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be recognised by their community as such. This is a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act (Qld) 1991.

What We Offer

Our people are our most valuable asset in providing quality Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition. As an EREA Flexible Schools Ltd employee, you will receive:

• Salary sacrificing benefits, including FBT exempt payments of up to $15,900 p/a
• 12.75% Superannuation Contribution

How to Apply

Please upload documents in PDF format. To apply, complete the application form below and provide a current CV and Cover Letter highlighting your qualifications, experience and suitability for the role. For a confidential conversation, contact Laura McKenzie - National Director of School Support, via email laura.mckenzie@flexi.edu.au.

Applications close 3:00 PM (AEST) 19 September 2025. All applicants will be subject to EREA and legislative screening procedures. The checks are part of EREA's commitment to child protection policies and procedures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Edmund Rice Education Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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