Cairns School of Distance Education is seeking Expressions of Interest for the role of Head of Department - Student Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Open Learning Campus, supporting disengaged and disconnected young people through personalised learning programs that prioritise wellbeing, engagement, and academic achievement. The role is central to delivering flexible education pathways, including online learning, face-to-face sessions, and case management, helping students transition to employment, further education, or achieve their QCE or QCIA.

Join now and help make a lasting impact.

Job details

This is open to Expressions of Interest and any extensions to this appointment will not exceed 12 months.

Image courtesy of Cairns School of Distance Education

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 provides high-quality education from Prep to Year 12, with a strong focus on individualised support and flexible learning. Our programs meet national curriculum standards and are designed to support the holistic development of every student. Staff are highly trained professionals committed to building strong partnerships, promoting wellbeing, and maintaining high expectations. Supported by an active P&C and long-standing community initiatives like the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride, we offer a unique and connected learning experience underpinned by core values and a clear improvement agenda focused on quality teaching, strong teams, and future-focused learning environments.

Your Responsibilities 

As the Head of Department - Student Engagement, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:  

• Lead the Open Learning Campus unit and address the individual curriculum needs of students enrolled in the OLC.
• Lead teaching staff to provide quality learning outcomes for all students.
• Lead continuous school improvement aligned with our school's strategic priorities.
• As an instructional leader, focus on ensuring all students develop their global competencies to transition into the future workforce with confidence and resilience. 

Desirable but not Mandatory Skills

As the Head of Department - Student Engagement, the following skills are desirable but not mandatory:

• Designing curriculum and cross-curricular 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 the full list of responsibilities and 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.

Applicants need to be a current Queensland Government employee to be eligible to apply.

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.

• FNR649069_25 - Role Description (PDF, 242KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants