School Manager

About Youth Off The Streets

Youth Off The Streets is a not-for-profit youth organisation that provides safety, support and opportunities for young people to build a positive future. We offer crisis accommodation and housing services, alternative high school education, alcohol and other drugs counselling, youth justice support, life skills and employment programs, cultural support and community engagement, among other services. We focus on early interventions that empower young people and strengthen communities.

Not all children and young people thrive in mainstream schools. Our registered and accredited independent high schools offer a flexible alternative for students in Years 9–12.

We operate six independent high schools that are registered and accredited with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Youth Off The Streets is also a member of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW).

Youth Off The Streets is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Special Assistance School in Maitland in 2026 This marks an exciting opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact in the lives of young people across the Maitland and wider region.

As a highly respected organisation and recognised leader in the Special Assistance School sector, Youth Off The Streets is committed to empowering students through trauma informed education, wellbeing support, and a strengths-based approach. We invite passionate educators and support staff to join us in shaping a nurturing, innovative learning environment that truly makes a difference in the community.

About the role:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced School Manager to lead the day-to-day operations and strategic development of one of our independent high schools. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of disadvantaged youth and contribute to a values-driven organisation committed to educational equity and innovation.

Please note: This role requires staff to work during school holidays as part of our commitment to supporting students year-round and maintaining school operations.

As the School Manager, you will:

• Lead and manage school operations in collaboration with the School Principal.

• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment.

• Support staff development and promote a collaborative culture.

• Oversee curriculum implementation, compliance, and student/staff welfare.

• Contribute to strategic planning and community engagement.

• Ensure administrative and financial practices meet legal and policy requirements.

Skills, Abilities & Experience:

• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to foster a collaborative school culture.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practices and student wellbeing frameworks.

• Proven ability to implement and evaluate educational programs aligned with NESA standards.

• Proficiency in using technology to support and enhance student learning.

• Minimum 5 years teaching experience in a similar educational setting.

• Demonstrated success in delivering flexible, trauma-informed curriculum.

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse students.

• Preferred minimum 2 years in a leadership role within a school or education-focused organisation.

Requirements:

The person we seek will ideally have the following:

• Accredited four-year undergraduate teaching degree (e.g., Bachelor of Education – Secondary).

• Current registration with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

• Valid Working with Children Check.

• National Criminal History Check.

• Full Australian working rights.

• Current Australian driver's licence.

• Disclosure of pecuniary interest (as required).

What we can offer you:

• A supportive team environment

• Training and professional development

• EAP for yourself and your family

• Salary packaging up to $15,900

• Self Care Leave

To Apply

Please ensure you enclose a copy of your resume with your contact details and cover letter addressing the essential criteria (2 pages maximum).

Youth Off The Streets embraces The Sanctuary Model as the foundation of our organisational culture. This trauma-informed approach guides how we support young people and staff, prioritising safety, emotional wellbeing, and resilience. It shapes our practices in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and healing from trauma—creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment for all.

At Youth Off The Streets, diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our people. It fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our customers and the communities we serve.

Youth off The Streets is an EEO Employer and a child safe organisation

This is a rare opportunity to join a passionate and high profile not for profit organisation that values the current youth of today and the youth of tomorrow.

The successful candidate will be requested to submit applications for a NSW Working With Children Check and Police Check. You will also be required to have a valid Australian Drivers Licence and unrestricted Australian working rights.

We encourage people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to apply for this position.