Deputy Principal – Operations

Full-time | Executive Leadership | Prep–12 Independent School | Sunshine Coast, QLD

Join Caloundra City Private School (CCPS) as Deputy Principal – Operations and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a thriving Prep–12 independent school on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast. This executive leadership role combines strategic operational oversight with a hands-on teaching component, allowing you to stay connected to the classroom and model best practice for staff and students.

If you're a visionary leader with a passion for operational excellence, a commitment to student-centred education, and the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a values-driven, forward-thinking school community.

Located on 11 hectares in Pelican Waters on the Sunshine Coast, CCPS is a co-educational, non-denominational independent school serving students from early childhood through to Year 12.

Our vision is to prepare world-ready graduates who are confident, kind, and agile. We do this by:

• Personalising learning so that every student is known, supported, and challenged.
• Building transferable skills – resilience, critical thinking, self-direction, and collaboration – that prepare students for diverse, non-linear futures.
• Early engagement with the world of work - learning is no confined to the boarders of the school gates
• Embedding our values of Excellence, Integrity, Learning, Respect, and Inclusiveness in everything we do.

Students benefit from modern learning spaces, specialist facilities in science, technology, and the arts, and a strong wellbeing culture rooted in Positive Education – all within the beauty of bushland and coastal surrounds.

• Lead and oversee all operational aspects of the school, including timetabling, supervision, rostering, relief staffing, and duty allocations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks including WHS, child protection, accreditation, and curriculum authorities.
• Provide executive leadership for major school events, excursions, camps, and co-curricular operations.
• Contribute to strategic planning and policy development as part of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Build high-functioning staff teams through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Support staff wellbeing by balancing workloads and ensuring effective rostering systems.
• Work closely with sub-school leaders to ensure continuity of learning, strong attendance, and high standards of student behaviour.
• Act as a key liaison with parents and community stakeholders, providing timely, professional communication.
• Lead crisis management, emergency response, and business continuity planning.
• Teach an allocation of classes to maintain direct engagement with students and model exemplary pedagogy.

• Demonstrated expertise in leading complex school operations in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills, with the ability to build trust across staff, students, parents, and external partners.
• High-level strategic and organisational skills, with the capacity to prioritise and deliver in high-pressure contexts.
• Proven ability to lead compliance processes, risk management, and accreditation requirements.
• Strong proficiency with school management systems and digital tools.
• Ability to remain calm, constructive, and decisive in challenging circumstances.
• Commitment to modelling best practice in teaching and learning through classroom engagement.

Essential:

• Significant leadership experience in a Prep–12 or equivalent school context.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of leadership experience in a Prep-12 school context is required.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership, Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in operational leadership and strategic planning.
• Strong background in compliance, risk management, and policy development.
• Current Queensland College of Teachers registration (or interstate equivalent).
• Current Working with Children Check / Blue Card.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Australian work authorisation is required for this position.

Desirable:

• Experience leading large-scale change initiatives in schools.
• Familiarity with contemporary teaching and learning practices, including the integration of digital technologies.
• Familiarity with contemporary education models for the personalisation of learning

• Change leadership approach: Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision and practical implementation.
• Student-centred leader: Upholds fairness, care, and accountability.
• Vision-Oriented: Sees change as a pathway to achieve a better future and communicates that vision clearly.
• People-Focused: Prioritises engagement, trust, and collaboration so that stakeholders are on the journey of continuous improvement.
• Adaptive and Agile: Open to experimentation, learning, and adjusting course when needed.
• Empowering: Builds capacity in others to lead change at multiple levels of the organisation.
• Courageous: Makes decisions even when outcomes are uncertain and challenges the status quo when necessary.

• Be part of a dynamic and growing independent school with a clear sense of purpose.
• Work in inspiring surroundings – modern facilities, natural landscapes, and access to the coast – that support wellbeing and creativity.
• Contribute to a school vision centred on world readiness, transferable skills, and character development.
• Teach and lead – a rare opportunity to influence both classroom practice and whole-school operations.
• Enjoy a competitive leadership role with genuine influence over strategy and culture.

1. Submit Your Application
   
   Provide your CV and a covering letter that addresses the key responsibilities, capabilities, and personal attributes outlined in this advertisement.

2. First-Round Task
   
   Shortlisted applicants will be invited to prepare and submit a short video presentation (3min). In this video, you will outline how you would apply a systems-thinking approach to improve an outcome of your choice, using one of the following:

3. Microsoft SharePoint

4. A Learning Management System (CANVAS Pref)
5. A School Management System (TASS Pref)
6. Interview Stage
   
   Applicants who progress beyond the first round will be invited to participate in a formal interview with the selection panel.

Applications close: Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the position may be filled before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Caloundra City Private School is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, embrace inclusivity, and believe every staff member helps shape the future of our students.