Dean of Human Formation, Seminary of the Good Shepherd

• Contribute to shaping the future of the Church
• Supportive team focussing on collaboration, integrity and faith-filled service
• Part-time role, 2-3 days per week, based in Homebush

About the Seminary of the Good Shepherd

The Seminary of the Good Shepherd (Seminary) is the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney's inter-diocesan community of vocational discernment where men, who desire to be priests, come for formation. The formation program is designed to help each seminarian discern his vocation by growing in his self-awareness and generosity in response to the love of Christ. The program, which continues for seven years, focuses on the formation of the human, spiritual, pastoral and academic dimensions.

The Seminary is seeking a seasoned professional with a developed understanding of human development and the dynamics of the human person, as well as a demonstrated capacity to teach regular coursework material specific to the human dimension of priestly formation, to take up the role of Dean of Human Formation.

About the Opportunity

As Dean of Human Formation (Dean), you will collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure the Seminary provides the foundation for each seminarian's overall priestly formation. Reporting to the Rector of the Seminary, and as a key member of the Human Formation Team, you will work closely with the Rector and other staff to ensure that human formation provides a foundational platform for all other dimensions of priestly development.

The Dean is a pivotal role responsible for shaping and overseeing each seminarian's participation in the human dimension of the Seminary's formation program. You will teach regular coursework material specific to the human dimension of priestly formation to the seminarians throughout the stages of their formation. You will also be responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a curriculum that supports the holistic development of each seminarian, ensuring that human formation serves as the foundation for all other aspects of formation.

You will develop and shape a Human Formation Team, which will be comprised of the Seminary Faculty in various capacities and resourcing that team with formators who demonstrate a  fundamental understanding of human development and psychological insight that will enable them to meet the needs of seminarians and their need for growth.

This is a part-time role, working 2-3 days per week. Although there is some flexibility around how those days and hours are to be worked, the Dean will be required to fit in with the schedule of classes undertaken by the seminarians. The role is based at Homebush.

About You

The Dean of Human Formation will ideally possess the following Key Requirements:

• An appreciation of the mission and purpose of the Seminary and understanding of and a willingness to support the ethos, mission and values of the Catholic Church.
• Tertiary qualifications in teaching, counselling, psychology and/or theology or in a field that is relevant to this role.
• Five or more years' experience in a similar role or in a role that encompasses the key areas of competency for this position.
• Demonstrated capacity in helping people grow in affective maturity and assisting them to be intrinsically motivated.
• An understanding of human development and the dynamics of the human person and of groups, with insights into the process of formation for the Priesthood.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate across a variety of people and platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and empathy.
• High level of discretion and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Proven ability to manage a broad stakeholder base and to work collaboratively to achieve specific goals.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong, positive and effective working relationships.

Enquiries and Application Process

For a confidential discussion and to obtain a copy of the Position Description please contact Anthony Spata at Reach HR on or

Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter must include how your skills, knowledge, experience and personal attributes align with the Key Requirements of the role as outlined above under the heading About You.

Applications close 11 November 2025, however, applications will be assessed and progressed as they are received.

Following the interviews, the Archbishop of Sydney will appoint the applicant whom he sees to best meet the criteria required for this position.

Additional Requirements

The Archdiocese is wholly committed to ensuring the safety, well-being and dignity of all children and adults at risk, and acknowledges its important legal, moral and spiritual responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment for those children and adults at risk. The Archdiocese has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse.

Additionally, the Archdiocese is committed to continuous improvement to assess and address the risk of modern slavery in its operations and supply chains and to report annually on these actions in the form of a Modern Slavery Statement.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.