Executive Manager

Executive Manager - First Nations Education

Commencement Date: January 2026

Employment Type: Full time fixed term ending 31 December 2030

Closing Date for Applications: 5pm Friday 14 November 2025

About Cairns, Far North Queensland

Our schools are nestled amongst ancient rainforests, pristine waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. And you can forget spending hours in the car or on a packed train. The hustle and bustle of the capital cities does not compare to our laidback commute. Cairns also offers many lifestyle opportunities that can be found in few other places and is surrounded by World Heritage listed areas including the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, all within an hour’s journey from the growing City of Cairns. It is the gateway to our Asian neighbours with direct flights to China, Japan and Singapore as well as having direct flights to all the east coast capital cities, Darwin, and Queensland’s Sunshine and Gold Coasts.

About the Role

The Executive Manager - First Nations Education will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the First Nations Education Strategy and will be a member of the leadership team and the Identity and Outreach Team in Catholic Education Services and working across all schools in Catholic Education in the Diocese of Cairns. This position contributes to school improvement processes, professional learning experiences, professional conversations, nurturing and growing Culturally Responsive leaders at all levels across the system, leading dialogical experiences with a focus on First Nations spirituality, and the infusion of the Cross Curriculum Priority: First Nations Histories and Cultures.

Expectations of the role:

- Lead the implementation and review of the First Nations Education Strategy and the First Nations Priorities in the CEDC Strategic Directions
- Contribute to the School Improvement processes to support a growth mindset
- Contribute to the deliberations of Catholic Education Services Leadership Team and the Identity and Outreach Team.
- Develop collaborative working relationships with school leadership teams.
- Lead a team responsible for the infusion of the ACARA Cross Curriculum Priority: First Nations Histories and Cultures
- Be an active member in key initiatives across Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns
- Develop and deliver professional learning experiences as well as be an active member in professional conversations
- Maintaining and growing internal and external stakeholder engagement
- Advocating for students - First Nations, parents/caregivers and community

Qualifications and requirements:

Qualifications:

- Registration as a teacher with the Queensland College of Teachers.
- Post Graduate Qualifications or Higher in the areas of Education, Leadership, Management, or related discipline or prepared to work towards.

Requirements:

- This position is identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is a genuine occupational requirement under Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), due to the cultural knowledge, lived experience, and community connection essential to the role.
- Five years’ minimum experience in a leadership role in a variety of educational settings.
- Meet the faith criteria for senior leadership positions within Catholic Education
- A strong demonstrated commitment to the objectives, vision, and ethos of Catholic Education Demonstrated experience and success in areas related to First Nations education.
- Evidence of personal professional development in areas relevant to this role.
- Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and implementation of the Australian curriculum
- Demonstrated knowledge, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and communities

For further information about the role, please download the Position Description: Executive Manager - First Nations Education

Enquiries:

Ian Davis - Deputy Executive Director
Phone: 4050 9700

To Apply:

If you are interested in taking advantage of this excellent opportunity, please complete the online application form, upload a copy of your resume and a one page cover letter outlining the challenges you see for First Nations Education and how you have demonstrated leadership in this area.

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