An exciting opportunity exists to join the Leadership Team of the Catholic Education Office as Assistant Director: Teaching and Learning commencing January 2027.

Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton provides high quality Catholic education that nurtures the spiritual, academic and personal growth of our students. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community that upholds the values of faith, integrity and excellence.

Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton is a large, dynamic and growing organisation with a current enrolment of approximately 18,500 students and a staff of approximately 4000 in 10 Kindergartens, 19 Outside School Hours Care Services, 31 Catholic Primary Schools and 8 Catholic Secondary Colleges. Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton serves communities from Bundaberg in the south to Mackay in the north and west to Longreach.

Catholic schools have played a significant role in the education of young Australians in Central Queensland for over 160 years. Since the opening of the first Catholic school in Rockhampton in 1863, successive generations of dedicated and committed staff have each played an integral role in nurturing our kindergartens, schools and colleges to be places of faith-centred, quality teaching and learning in the Catholic tradition.

Our kindergartens, primary schools, colleges and OSHC services are strongly supported within the Catholic Education Office by a dynamic and collaborative team in the areas of Teaching and Learning, Catholic Identity and Formation, First Nations Education, Inclusive Education, Building Services, Information Technology, Finance and Strategy, Governance, Employee Support Services and Student Protection and Wellbeing.

About the role

As Assistant Director: Teaching and Learning, and an integral member of the Leadership Team, you will have a deep commitment to quality Catholic education, a strong Catholic faith commitment, a record of successful teaching experience, necessary academic qualifications and demonstrated leadership experience.

The successful applicant will lead Teaching and Learning, Inclusive Education and First Nations Education across CEDR as part of the Catholic Education Leadership team.

The Assistant Director: Teaching and Learning provides strategic leadership in delivering high-quality, contemporary education grounded in Catholic values, with a strong focus on student achievement, wellbeing and inclusion. The role supports schools in curriculum development, assessment, and the effective use of data to drive continuous improvement, while ensuring alignment with diocesan and legislative requirements. The successful applicant will build professional capacity across the system through mentoring, performance development, and fostering collaborative, reflective learning cultures. The position plays a key role in leading innovation and change, contributing to strategic planning and guiding school review and improvement processes. Additionally, the Assistant Director: Teaching and Learning works closely with stakeholders to ensure effective governance, resource management and strong partnerships across the Catholic education community.

You will report to the Diocesan Director Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton.

Key leadership qualities and capabilities

• Demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to the Catholic faith and the mission of Catholic education.
• Has a strong understanding of education policies, governance and structures within the context of Catholic education.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking, planning effectively and managing resources, including budgeting, staffing and facilities to achieve long-term goals.
• Effectively engages with internal and external stakeholders, including school leaders, parents, community members and government agencies.
• Builds an inclusive, trusting community and cultivates productive working relationships
• Demonstrates a strong dedication to the continuous professional growth in Teaching and Learning, Inclusive Education and First Nations Education for Kindergarten, School and College staff across CEDR.

We are seeking to appoint a leader who

• is a practising Catholic with an excellent understanding of, and commitment to, Catholic education
• has experience of successful leadership in Catholic education at a senior level
• can foster a culture of inspirational teaching and learning and lead the development and implementation of school improvement initiatives
• has the interpersonal skills to build partnerships within Catholic Kindergartens, Schools and Colleges and with the local community
• is willing to provide leadership in the areas of the duty statement
• can lead in ways that are consistent with the message of Jesus and the Gospels and
  • Catholic Church teachings, principles and values
  • Diocesan policies and directives
  • Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton Charter
  • Catholic Education Mission and Vision Statements, policies, practices and strategic directions.

What we offer – in addition to a competitive salary range, the following incentives apply

• Salary packaging options
• Full personal use of a motor vehicle
• Relocation
• Professional Renewal Leave
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
• Access to corporate health schemes with either (Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance)
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Professional development and learning opportunities

Mandatory requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications
• Current Queensland College of Teachers Registration
• Current Blue Card with Blue Card Services Queensland
• Australian work rights

How to apply

1. Please complete the application form below.
2. Upload a current resume and supporting documentation (inclusive of three referees (your current Principal/Line Manager, a professional referee and your Parish Priest)). Please note, if you are applying as an internal applicant and your current principal or referees will form part of the panel, please provide an alternate referee.
3. Applicants must read, understand and accept, as an explicit term of contract, the requirements of the Statement of Principles for employment in Catholic Schools.
4. Upload a covering letter (addressed to the Diocesan Director, Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Mr Michael McCusker).
5. In no more than 2 A4 pages, address the key criteria below and provide clear evidence of your demonstrated ability to lead a school in the following key leadership areas:
   • Enhancing Catholic ethos and identity
   • Leading teaching and learning
   • Developing self and others
   • Leading improvement, innovation and change
   • Leading the management of the school
   • Engaging and working with the community

Please refer to the Position Description and A Vision for Christian Leadership in the Diocese of Rockhampton to support your response.

Please note that current employees of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton do not need to supply copies of documentation that we already have on file.

Further information

• For a confidential conversation please contact Mr Michael McCusker (Diocesan Director 07 4994 8000).
• Applicants should note that as part of the hiring process, a criminal history check and a bankruptcy check will be completed.
• For further information regarding the remuneration package, please contact Employee Support Services [email protected]
• Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.

Applications close: Sunday, 19 July 2026 5:00pm.

Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

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