Mackay Northern Beaches State High School is seeking an energetic, future-focused and collaborative Head of Department for Year 12 to join our progressive leadership team in this temporary position for 2027, unless otherwise determined.

The successful applicant will lead a strong, student-focused approach that supports every Year 12 student to succeed, and transition confidently into further education, training or employment. They will use data-informed practices to closely monitor student engagement, attendance, achievement and pathway progress, working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary sector team, staff, families and external partners to provide timely support and achieve the best possible outcomes for all students.

Job details

About us:

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School is located 10 kilometres from the centre of Mackay in the rapidly growing Northern Beaches area. Opened in January 2013, the school offers modern facilities and contemporary technology embedded across the curriculum. The school has a strong House culture, a developing sporting culture with Positive Behaviour for Learning embedded in its expectations and ways of working.

Your opportunity:

As Head of Department, you will bring a proven ability to:

• Lead a shared vision for Year 12 achievement, completion and successful post-school transitions, aligned with the Department's Brighter Futures strategy and the school's improvement priorities.
• Use attendance, engagement, achievement, wellbeing and QCE or QCIA progress data to monitor students, identify emerging concerns and guide timely intervention.
• Lead coordinated case management for students at risk of disengagement or non-completion, establishing clear actions, responsibilities and progress monitoring.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary Senior School sector team, including school leaders, teachers, support staff, families, external agencies and pathway partners.
• Support students to develop and pursue meaningful pathways into further education, training, apprenticeships or employment.
• Build strong relationships with students and families, maintaining clear communication about progress, expectations, key deadlines and available support.
• Strengthen a positive Year 12 culture characterised by high expectations, belonging, student leadership, pride and personal responsibility.
• Coordinate strategies that improve attendance, engagement, behaviour, wellbeing and academic achievement across the cohort.
• Support the effective delivery of key Year 12 milestones, transition activities and recognition opportunities.
• Demonstrate reflective, resilient and adaptable leadership, responding proactively to the changing needs of students and the Year 12 cohort.

Interested? To Apply: 

• Attach a resume (Maxkimum 3 pages) 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 will be assessed' or 'Competencies' 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.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• CQR701273_26T - Role Description (PDF, 365KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants