The Bishop of Toowoomba, Most Reverend Ken Howell, invites applications from experienced educational leaders for the position of Executive Director: Toowoomba Catholic Schools commencing 1 January 2027.

• Full-time
• Initial five (5) year appointment with provision for further appointment periods
• Senior Executive Service pay scale – Level 3 – Total employment package includes base salary, annual leave loading, all superannuation and all benefits
• Provision of a vehicle for work and private use in accordance with Diocesan policy
• Reasonable relocation expenses paid

Reporting directly to the Bishop, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership for a diverse and growing community of Catholic schools across southern and south-west Queensland. The role is responsible for advancing the mission of Catholic education, ensuring excellence in learning and teaching, sustaining strong governance and stewardship practices, and leading a contemporary, high-performing organisation that serves students, families, staff and communities.

With responsibility for 33 schools and colleges, 3 kindergartens and 16 Outside School Hours Care services, approximately 11,000 students and 2,000 employees, the Executive Director works in close partnership with school leaders, clergy, system leaders and the broader Catholic community to realise the vision of ‘Enabling full and flourishing lives’.

About the role – Selection criteria

The Executive Director provides visionary and faith-filled leadership across all aspects of Toowoomba Catholic Schools, including

• leading and promoting the Catholic mission and identity of Diocesan schools
• developing and implementing strategic priorities that enhance student learning, pastoral care and engagement
• providing executive leadership across education, mission, people, finance, infrastructure, governance, information services and organisational development
• building strong relationships with principals, parish communities, clergy, government, industry and community stakeholders
• ensuring effective stewardship of significant financial, physical and human resources
• fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration and continuous progress
• advising and supporting the Bishop on matters relating to Catholic education throughout the Diocese.

Further information about the role is available in the Role Description.

The person

We are seeking an accomplished and faith-filled leader who demonstrates

• a personal commitment to the Catholic faith and active participation and involvement in the life of the Church and a Parish
• distinguished executive leadership experience within education
• a contemporary understanding of educational leadership and system improvement
• exceptional communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• the ability to inspire confidence, build trust and lead transformational change
• proven capability to lead large, diverse and geographically dispersed teams
• strong strategic, financial and organisational leadership skills
• experience in governance, risk management and organisational performance

Postgraduate qualifications in education, leadership, theology or a related discipline are highly regarded.

Opportunity to join Toowoomba Catholic Schools

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected and faith-based educational organisation that serves communities across regional and rural Queensland. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape the future of Catholic education in the Diocese of Toowoomba and contribute meaningfully to the lives of thousands of students, families and staff.

Enquiries and application process

Applications are to be addressed to Most Reverend Ken Howell, Bishop of Toowoomba.

Applicants are to provide the following documentation

• written response, of no more than two pages, highlighting your demonstrated experience and relevant skills as they relate to the Selection Criteria
• detailed resume
• name and contact details of your current Parish Priest and two professional references (one must be your current Supervisor). Please be aware that contact by the Panel Chair with your nominated referees may occur throughout the recruitment process.

Please submit applications via email to [email protected] by COB 24 August 2026.

Confidential enquiries about this opportunity may be addressed to the Panel Chair – [email protected]