Head of Department

We are currently seeking applications for a Head of Department - Student Services to join our school community.

You will lead a dedicated team fostering an inclusive, supportive, and engaging school environment that promotes student success, personal growth, and resilience.

This is a temporary full- time position commencing 22 January 2026 until 11 December 2026, unless otherwise determined.

If you are committed to making a lasting impact on student's lives and thrive in a collaborative, values-driven school community, we encourage you to apply.

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

Who We Are:

At Cooktown State School, we embrace diversity and believe that every child brings unique strengths, talents, and perspectives. Our dedicated staff work hard to deliver engaging, challenging, and future-focused learning experiences that prepare our students to be confident, capable, and caring citizens.

Beyond the classroom, our students have access to a wide range of cultural, sporting, and leadership opportunities that help develop resilience, teamwork, and a love of learning.

Step Into Your Next Chapter:

The Head of Department - Student Services will be responsible for working with the Principal and the Leadership and Team to implement the school's ongoing improvement agenda. The successful applicant will contribute significantly to a high-expectations school culture that is focused on continuous improvement to maximise each student's performance and potential. This will be achieved by proactively supporting the growth of students within your cohort, through tracking and connecting their academic and social outcomes to provide a holistic view of each student.

You will play a key role as part of the school's leadership team by delivering targeted and timely interventions to maximise each student's learning. You will also develop and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, and staff to personalise education for individual students within a large and complex school community.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead Student Achievement: Set and uphold high standards for student performance by fostering a culture of excellence, growth mindset, and continuous improvement in learning outcomes.
• Promote Positive Learning Behaviours: Develop and lead initiatives that build effective learning behaviours, supporting students' intellectual, personal, and social development.
• Use Data to Drive Improvement: Regularly access, analyse, and act on student data to inform targeted interventions, monitor progress, and enhance academic and social outcomes.
• Support Individual Student Growth: Coordinate and monitor individual learning plans through collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring tailored support for each student.
• Engage and Collaborate with the Community: Maintain strong visibility and partnerships with students, parents, staff, and external agencies, recognising student achievements and contributing to ongoing professional growth and school culture.

Please view the role description for a full list of responsibilities.

About You:

• An energetic and strengths-focused individual who has the ability to lead both strategically and operationally towards shared goals.
• Has a solid understanding of current educational research, be committed to continual learning, demonstrate initiative, be futures oriented and strategic.

Submit Your Application:

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 2-page response to the How you may be assessed section of the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration 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.