Principal

Job description

Agency Department of Education and Training Work unit Papunya School

Job title Principal Designation Principal Level 3

Job type Full time Duration Fixed from 20/01/2026 to 19/06/2026

Salary $153,913 - $161,610 Location Papunya

Position number 10885 RTF Closing 11/11/2025

Contact officer Jenny Carew, Director on or

About the agency

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY

QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with

disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss

this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the

OCPE website.

Primary objective

The principal plays a vital role in delivering the strategic plan of the Department of Education and Training and is the leading educational

professional at Papunya School, who inspires students, staff and community members to optimise the learning of all students.

Context statement

Papunya School is a remote school located approximately 240km west-northwest of Alice Springs with an enrolment of approximately

125 students. It operates a Families as First Teachers (FaFT) program, preschool and school from transition to Year 12, utilising the Early

Years Learning Framework and Australian curriculum. Papunya School is a part of the Remote Small Schools Network, supported by the

Remote Schools Support Unit. The principal has full autonomy to manage school operations as a leader of a small workforce, with

moderate organisational and human resource management demands.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Lead the development and implementation of the school's vision and strategic direction with a focus on continuous improvement,

innovation, research, a shared respectful culture that challenges and sets high expectations and strengthens partnerships with internal

and external stakeholders.

1. Effectively manage school resources; implement clear evidence-based improvement plans and policies; determine program priorities

and the allocation of teaching and other resources to meet and manage diverse needs.

1. Establish systematic methods for collecting and interpreting evidence to identify excellent teaching and learning; use data to improve

school performance and share best management practice and use of resources appropriately.

1. Drive a culture of achievement and continuous improvement through constructive management practices, ensuring research,

innovation and creativity and review the effectiveness of processes. management practices, ensuring research, innovation and

creativity and review the effectiveness of processes.

1. Carry a teaching load as required.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Proven contemporary strategic leadership knowledge, skills and experience in a remote school or equivalent context including leading

the development and delivery of innovative teaching and learning programs and staff resulting in improved student outcomes.

2. Proven high level knowledge of contemporary teaching and learning programs relevant to complex and challenging, culturally diverse

school environments.

1. Proven accountability for the operational management of relevant legislation and policies at both a Territory and national level,

including demonstrated experience managing school infrastructure, human resources and finances including the development and

management of considerable budgets.

1. Demonstrated collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills resulting in improved student outcomes.

Desirable

1. Post-graduate qualifications in educational leadership.

2. Completion of Public Sector Management Program or equivalent.

Further information

Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory and a Working with Children Clearance Notice (Ochre Card),

or the ability to obtain, is required in this position. The successful applicant will be required to adhere to and model the NTPS Code of

Conduct (refer advertising attachments), the Education Act, Financial Management Act, Public Sector Employment Management Act and other

relevant legislation with the utmost integrity. The successful applicant will also hold specific delegations under the abovementioned Acts

and will therefore be required to understand and follow these to maintain accountability.