National Director of Schools

National Director of Schools - National Office (Eagle Farm)

• Fixed-term, Full-time
• Start: 1 January 2026
• End: 1 January 2031

ABOUT US:

EREAFSL is a company limited by guarantee established by the Member, the Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (TEREA) to lead and govern the Flexible Schools and Special Schools across all states and territories except the ACT and Victoria. EREAFSL is responsible for the strategic direction, financial management and legal obligations of each school. Strict line-of-sight governance arrangements must be in place.

EREAFSL currently educates over 2,500 Young People in 21 Flexible Schools (12 based in Queensland and 9 other schools across Australia) and two Special Education Services Schools in NSW, with approximately 800 staff nationally. Flexi schools serve Young People who experience complex educational, social or psychological situations which demand unique responses. Flexi schools enable Young People to engage in education in a supported learning environment through a methodology based on trauma-informed practice, to co-create a Common Ground using Operation by Principles, in which the principles of Honesty, Respect, Participation, Safe & Legal are embedded. Our special schools serve Young People with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The National Director of Schools is a new role and is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of all Flexi and Special Schools across EREAFSL. The role supports and oversees a team of Regional Directors and acts under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer. Specifically, the National Director of Schools has delegated accountability with regard to Young People outcomes across Flexi and Special Schools, and supports Heads of Campus, Principals and Regional Directors in providing the best possible educational experience for all students.

In addition, the role oversees the establishment of new Flexi and Special Schools across the country and will be the direct line manager for the "Program Manager – Growth". The role is responsible for ensuring that all EREAFSL Schools adhere to the policies and procedures that support the education, safety, protection and wellbeing of children, Young People and enrolled adults under their care.

The National Director of Schools is a member of the EREAFSL National Executive Team, along with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and National Director of Educational Strategy and Innovation.

The tenure of this fixed-term role includes a 5-year contract with an additional 5-years upon successful review.

Travel is required for this role.

To view the Position Description, please click apply to access our external application portal.

KEY ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE:

• Understanding of and commitment to the values of a Catholic educational system of schools in the Edmund Rice tradition;
• Proven senior educational leadership experience, at least at Principal level and preferably at system level, both strategic and operational, characterised by strong organisational, administrative, communication, and leadership skills, particularly in relation to areas outlined in this position;
• Solid understanding of the national educational sector, including Flexible and Special Education contexts, or a demonstrated ability to acquire this understanding quickly;
• Ability to demonstrate the high-level communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills necessary to be successful in a complex and layered organisational structure;
• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment;
• Ability to travel to schools nationally;
• Appropriate qualifications in Education, Leadership and/or related fields, and relevant professional and leadership experience in schools, and preferably at system level.
• Experience leading large scale projects in education sector is desirable.
• Ability and desire to bring enjoyment to the work and to the team.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Our people are our most valuable asset in providing quality Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition to the young people in our schools. As an EREA Flexible Schools Ltd employee, you will receive:

• Salary sacrificing benefits, including FBT exempt payments of up to $15,900 p/a
• Edmund Rice charism
• 12.75% Superannuation Contribution
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Connection to a national and global network of Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition

HOW TO APPLY: (Please upload documents in PDF format)

To apply, please click apply to access our external application portal. To support your application, you will be required to provide a current CV and Cover Letter highlighting your qualifications, experience and suitability for the role.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Dr Matt Hawkins - CEO, EREA Flexible Schools Ltd., via email   

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5PM (AEST) 8 OCTOBER 2025.

The successful applicant must possess (or be eligible to obtain) and maintain a current Working With Children Check.

All applicants will be subject to EREA and legislative screening procedures. These checks are consistent with EREA's commitment to child protection policies and procedures.

Edmund Rice Education Australia is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Edmund Rice Education Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.