Head of Department

2 days ago

Cairns, Queensland, Australia Department of Education Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

We are seeking a Head of Department (Curriculum) who will have a focus on planning, teaching and school culture activities that support increases in student and school performance. The successful applicant will lead our specialist faculty to deliver school and student performance improvements. This includes
leading a team of performing arts and music staff as well as physical education, technology and language teachers.

This is a temporary full-time position for a period of 12 month, unless otherwise determined. Our staff are collaborative, supported and dedicated professionals who work together
intentionally as team. They value innovation and wellbeing in equal measure. Join us and be part of a school that makes a real difference every day — in a place where children thrive and educators love to work.

About Us:

Located centrally in beautiful Cairns, Whitfield State School is a vibrant and high-achieving school community that celebrates learning, creativity, and belonging. We're proud of our inclusive culture, strong community partnerships, and commitment to helping every child reach their highest potential.

The school offers students a very wide range of specialist subjects and programs with the aim of connecting students to the future best versions of themselves. Locally this is known as 'our world of opportunities' and the successful applicant will be central to growing and improving this work.

About the Role:

The role's responsibilities require the applicant to communicate with influence inside and outside the gate and to collaboratively develop sustained, systematic improvement actions, leveraging innovative use of resources to achieve quality outcomes for all students Leadership coaching, mental model development and specific leadership behaviours' PD are a regular facet of the school's operations. All significant decisions are made through our leadership council processes and therefore the successful applicant will have significant input into the direction of the school.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to;

  • Lead and Inspire Learning: Drive curriculum and whole-school programs to achieve a shared educational vision focused on quality outcomes for all students.
  • Promote Equity and Excellence: Embed socially just practices and set high standards for both student achievement and staff performance.
  • Engage in Continuous Growth: Model lifelong learning through active participation in ongoing professional and personal development.
  • Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate effectively with students, parents, staff, community organisations, and government agencies.
  • Lead Strategically and Responsibly: Apply legislative and policy knowledge to strategically manage human, financial, facility, and curriculum resources for future-focused school success.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How to apply:

  • Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history); and
  • A 1-pg written statement about how your achievements and capabilities meet the requirements of the role.

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.

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