Head of Operations

Lead a bold new chapter in Tasmania's reform of government schools

The Tasmanian Government announced a trial of Multi-School Organisations (MSOs) within the government school system. MSOs are strong families of schools brought together under shared leadership and governance to drive improvement, equity, and innovation at scale. The MSO model is inspired by England's Multi-Academy Trust model, identified as international best practice in Grattan Institute's 2024 Spreading Success report. The trial is delivered through a partnership between the Tasmanian Government and McKinnon – an independent not-for-profit organisation.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) seeks dynamic and experienced Head of Operations to join the founding executive team of Tasmania's first MSO, launching in early 2026. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new educational institution, as well as broader statewide policy, from the ground up.

Role overview

The Head of Operations, reporting to the CEO, will be responsible for designing and delivering the operational backbone of the MSO, and for leading the optimisation of resource use to ensure consistent, efficient, scalable service delivery in line with DECYP policies. You will work closely with the CEO to align the operations strategy with educational priorities and recruit and manage a lean central office as the MSO grows.

Responsibilities

• Designing and delivering the operational backbone of the MSO, ensuring schools can focus on teaching and learning while benefiting from high‑quality centralised support.
• Leading the optimisation of resource use, including finance, human and physical resources, compliance, communications and risk management.
• Ensuring consistent service delivery that is efficient and scalable in line with DECYP policies.
• Working with the CEO to align operations with educational priorities and the MSO's mission to improve student outcomes and close equity gaps.
• Recruiting and managing a lean central office to oversee these operational functions as the MSO grows.

What we are looking for

We are seeking someone with a strong track record in operational leadership, ideally in a multi-site or regulated environment. You may come from education, but candidates from corporate, government, or not‑for‑profit sectors with commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and a commitment to public service are welcome. You will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, building systems from scratch, and leading through change. You are hands-on, a problem-solver, a collaborator, and thrive in a start-up environment with a motivation to make a lasting impact on Tasmanian students.

Opportunity and collaboration

This role offers the chance to be part of a pioneering reform effort with national and international significance. You will work alongside a passionate and expert team, supported by local and international advisors, contributing to a model that could reshape how school improvement is delivered in Australia.

How to apply

DECYP is partnering with an external agency, Perrett Laver, for the recruitment of this role. Applications must be submitted directly through Perrett Laver via the link quoting reference 7963 for Head of Operations. Please submit a CV and covering letter detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification. You can also view the Statement of Duties here.

• Deadline for applications: 9am AEST, Monday 13 October.

Formal interviews will be held virtually in late October and in person in Tasmania in early–mid November. If you require reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us so arrangements can be made.

About DECYP and our team

Join a purpose-driven team shaping Tasmania's future. As part of a 12,000-strong workforce, you'll play a vital role in supporting children and young people to be known, safe, well, and learning—from their earliest years through to adulthood. Be part of a child-centred agency where your impact matters every day.

Note: This job advertisement is for a real, ongoing opportunity in Tasmania's education reform project and includes the required EEO statements in context of recruitment.