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Head of Department - Vocational Education and Training - Cairns School of Distance Education
Far North Queensland Region, School and Regional Operations and Performance Division
Cairns School of Distance Education is seeking its next Head of Department - Vocational Education and Training to join the team.
This is an opportunity to be a pivotal leader in our high-achieving school community, make a significant impact on the future of education, and work alongside a passionate and dedicated team as part of our vibrant academic community
helping to shape the next generation of leaders.
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Full-time |
| Occupational group | Education & Training |
| Classification | Stream 2 /HO1 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/FNR643798/25T |
| Closing date | 02-Jul-2025 |
| Job duration | Period of 12 months, unless otherwise determined |
| Contact person | Tanya Findlay |
| Contact details | 07 4080 9947 Access the National Relay Service |
About the Department
The Department of Education is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community and schools we support by treating everyone with respect and dignity. This starts with recruitment and selection. The methods of assessing suitability in the recruitment process may vary. This includes making reasonable adjustments to support applicants at all stages of the process and employee lifecycle.
About the School
Cairns School of Distance Education sits within the Department's virtual learning ecosystem. In 2025, we have over 4,000 full-time and part-time students across Prep to Year 12, globally. Within this global virtual learning environment, our vision is to provide world-class curriculum, teaching, and learning. Our students can access learning 24/7, and our unique setting presents distinct challenges in leading learning. We deliver both synchronous and asynchronous teaching, and your role will involve engaging with and leading in this environment. We acknowledge that continuous learning for our team is critical in pursuing our vision of being the most connected, distinctive, and authentic global learning community.
Your Opportunity
As the Head of Department - Vocational Education and Training, you will:
- Lead curriculum focus in line with school and departmental initiatives
- Participate in delivering the vision of Early Childhood and State Schools Division
- Develop the quality of teaching and learning
- Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers and stakeholders.
The Head of Department is accountable to and under the direction of the Principal or delegate.
Your Responsibilities
As the Head of Department - Vocational Education and Training, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the Business and VET curriculum areas within our school.
- Lead teaching staff to provide quality learning outcomes for all students
- Lead continuous school improvement aligned to our school's strategic priorities.
- As an instructional leader, you will be focused on ensuring all students develop their global competencies so they can transition into the future workforce with confidence and resilience.
Desirable but not mandatory skills:
As the Head of Department - Vocational Education and Training, the following skills are desirable but not mandatory:
- Designing curriculum and cross-curricula learning experiences that meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum V9, VET, and QCAA
- Engaging students in skill development through authentic learning experiences
- Engaging with the wider school community to nurture positive, quality relationships between students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders across the school and broader community
- Embedding socially just practices in daily school life
- Setting high standards for student and staff performance
- Actively participating in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development
- Managing the human, financial, facilities, and curriculum resources of the faculty to achieve strategic goals
Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.
Interested? To Apply
- Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
- Attach a written statement (1-page maximum) about how your achievements and capabilities meet the requirements of the role.
- Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements 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.
When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.
Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE). The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.
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 candidate information fact sheet and follow the instructions.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
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Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
Information Package for Applicants
FNR643798_25T - Role Description (PDF, 241KB)
Role Description
