Deputy Principals for Innovative Indigenous Education Model, Kimberley

Overview

Lead within a new model of Indigenous Education with Year 7-9 or Year 10-12 students in the Kimberley. Join an innovative system of residential schools that are on country across the remote north of Australia. In partnership with the Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC), this initiative is co-led and co-designed with local communities to foster Indigenous success with a strong focus on local culture and language. Situated on Bunuba Country, approximately an hour from Fitzroy Crossing, the school’s aim is to empower Indigenous students to create a future filled with pride, belonging, and achievement. The school is a place of practical, hands-on learning with a holistic learning framework. Learning is integrated across the day with a focus on health and wellbeing.

The Deputy Principal – Operations is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient school operations in alignment with Indigenous community values. Reporting to the Principal, this role oversees daily operations, staff coordination, and program delivery, while maintaining a 0.4 FTE teaching load. You’ll work alongside the Deputy Principal – Culture, Bunuba Elders and Traditional Owners, the IERC, and local Indigenous partners, families, and service providers. You’ll manage day-to-day operations including timetables, staff and student rosters, and residential program duties. You will ensure compliance with OH&S, child safety, and regulatory standards, while also overseeing resource allocation and stepping in for the Principal as needed. You’ll lead staff onboarding in partnership with the leadership team and the Bunuba Language Mentor and support ongoing mentoring and professional development for staff. You’ll contribute to the delivery of culturally responsive curricula—including Bunuba language and cultural programs—and support vocational and enterprise learning. The role also involves collaborating with external partners, monitoring student data, and building strong relationships with Indigenous families, Elders, and community organisations. Representing the school at community events and promoting two-way learning will be key responsibilities, along with contributing to strategic planning and reporting on enrolment, attendance, and wellbeing.

The Four Circles of Learning are embedded within the school, providing a holistic educational framework. This framework integrates Indigenous Language and Culture, Academic Learning, Personal and Social Learning, and Enterprise Learning to provide a holistic education. The mother circle of Indigenous Language and Culture circle grounds students in their cultural identity, boosting their self-efficacy and sense of self. Academic Learning focuses on intellectual development and preparing students for the future by enhancing their capacity for independent learning. Personal and Social Learning helps students envision a confident and successful future as Indigenous Australians. Finally, Enterprise Learning aims to develop dispositions in our students to ensure they become productive members of local community, who are driven to support those around them.

The school supports the Two-Way learning approach where you will be both teacher and learner - learning from students, the land, the local community, local Elders and each other. On country champions learning through experience and the program connects students to traditional learning practices that explore the local land, culture and community. Guided by teachers, mentors, and local Elders, students learn about the local environment, customs, cultures and history while developing social, industry, communication, numeracy, and literacy skills.

Two deputy principal - Operations positions are available from Term 4 with some flexibility. Both primary and secondary teachers/leaders are encouraged to apply Additionally, there may be opportunities for partners.

Responsibilities

- Manage day-to-day school operations including timetables, staff/student rosters, and residential program duties
- Ensure compliance with OH&S, child safety, and other regulatory standards
- Oversee resource allocation and deputise for the Principal when required
- Lead staff onboarding alongside the leadership team and Bunuba Language Mentor
- Support staff through mentoring systems and professional development planning
- Coordinate Year 10 Induction programs in partnership with visiting school
- Assist in delivering culturally responsive curricula, including Bunuba language and cultural programs
- Promote vocational and work-related learning opportunities
- Collaborate with external partners and track key student data (attendance, retention, progress)
- Build meaningful relationships with Indigenous families, Elders, and local organisations
- Represent the school at community events and promote two-way cultural learning
- Contribute to strategic planning and deliver on actions from the implementation plan
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators such as enrolment, attendance, and wellbeing

Benefits

The school will provide the followinggenerous benefits:

- Base Salary from $135,000 before super (dependent on experience)?
- $350 per week remote allowance.
- Fully subsidised accommodation.
- Fully subsidised utilities.
- Flights to and from place of principal residence every holidays
- Meals provided.
- Salary packaging available

Footprint Placements will providebenefitsto assist you in your transition to remote life, including:

- Trauma Responsive Practice in Education with the Australian Childhood Foundation.
- Cultural Competency training with Stronger Smarter Institute (one term+ contracts).
- First aid certification (6 month+ contracts).

All salary and incentives to be finalised with the school.

Requirements

You will be required to hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), registered (or ability to) with TRBWA, National Police Check and a WA Working With Children check in addition to,

- Minimum five years of teaching experience, ideally within Indigenous or remote education settings
- Demonstrated operational leadership skills, including timetabling, staff coordination, and compliance management
- High level of cultural competency, with a deep respect for and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders
- Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Knowledge and application of trauma-informed practices in educational and community settings
- Current First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience differentiating for a variety of needs in the classroom, including EAL/D and learning challenges.
- A willingness to engage in the co-curricular program of the school.
- Current Drivers Licence
- Willingness to live remotely in residence on site at the school.

Desirable

- 4WD experience
- Cert IV in workplace assessment and training
- Experience in vocational education or work-related learning.

How to Apply

Interested? Provide a cover letter (up to 3 pages) covering the requirements above and apply via our website www.footprintplacements.com.au or email your with your resume to hello@footprintplacements.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you

Candidates must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work.

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