Head of Department

Are you looking for an amazing opportunity in Central Queensland plus rental assistance through the Department's Rural and Remote Housing Incentive Scheme? Then this position is for you

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School is seeks a focussed and dynamic leader to join a committed team to achieve best possible outcomes and pathways for all students. This opportunity will suit an educator who is a team player, passionate about HPE education, developing quality teaching and learning and providing a range of sporting opportunities for the ultimate benefit of student development and outcomes. Creating positive relationships between students, teachers and stakeholders to achieve the vision of the school while leading the HPE faculty, will be key. If this temporary position sounds like it is reflective of your passion and capabilities, application is encouraged.

About the Department

The Department of Education is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community and schools we support by treating everyone with respect and dignity. This starts with recruitment and selection. The methods of assessing suitability in the recruitment process may vary. This includes making reasonable adjustments to support applicants at all stages of the process and employee lifecycle.

About the School

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School is located just 10km from Mackay's city centre, in the rapidly growing Northern Beaches area. Opened in 2013, the school boasts modern facilities and cutting-edge technology integrated across its curriculum. With a strong house culture and Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) embedded in its daily practices, the school fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Mackay Northern Beaches State High School is committed to innovation, student success, and continuous improvement, offering a dynamic environment for both students and staff to thrive.

About the Role

The Head of Department - Health & Physical Education position is ideal for an energetic, future-focused leader with a passion for growing the Health & Physical Education Faculty and fostering a strong culture of student engagement and achievement in sports. This role will require you to not only influence positive student learning outcomes but also develop and embed a culture of participation in sporting competitions at the District, Regional, and State levels. You will lead with a student-focused approach, building strong, professional relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community, including relevant sporting organisations. The Head of Department - Health & Physical Education, you will apply strategic resource management to drive these outcomes and ensure the continued success of the faculty. The ideal candidate will have excellent relational leadership skills, enabling you to lead the faculty effectively and contribute to whole-school strategic initiatives.

This role is scheduled to commence on 22nd January 2026 and will run until 26th June 2026, unless otherwise determined.

Your Responsibilities

As the Head of Department - Health & Physical Education, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the school department to develop, articulate and commit to a shared educational vision focussed on providing quality learning outcomes for all students.
• Embed socially just practices in daily school life.
• Set high standards for student and staff performance.
• Actively participate in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.
• Form partnerships with students, parents, other government agencies, and community groups.
• Be futures oriented and strategic.
• Understand the legislation and policies that impact on schooling especially in relation to students and staff within the school department.
• Manage the human, financial, facilities and curriculum resources of the school department to achieve goals

Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position.

Interested? To Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) addressing Key Capabilities 1-4 as per Role Description "How you will be assessed" section.
• Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies. ( https://alt-,participate%20fully%20in%20our%20workplaces. )