We are seeking a Deputy Principal - Engagement (Project-Based) to join our leadership team at Tagai State College.

Based on Thursday Island, this strategic role requires travel across the region via light aircraft and focuses on leading and supporting key initiatives that strengthen student engagement, wellbeing and community connection.

The temporary Partnership Initiative position commences as soon as possible and continues until 26 June 2026 (end of Semester 1, 2026), unless otherwise determined.

Job details

This is a temporary full-time position to commence as soon as possible, until 26 June 2026 (end of Semester 1), unless otherwise determined.

A School Like No Other

Tagai State College delivers high-quality education and training across one of Australia's most remote and culturally rich regions. Spanning 17 campuses across 15 islands and 48,000 square kilometres of the stunning Torres Strait, the College operates within a unique context - one that requires skilled, experienced, and culturally responsive instructional leaders.

About the Role

1. Lead Positive Behaviour and Engagement

As the Deputy Principal - Engagement your responsibilities will include:

• Co-lead and deliver the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program across all campuses, promoting student success through consistent expectations, proactive strategies, and positive reinforcement.
• Ensure the PBL program reflects Torres Strait cultural values and community expectations, maintaining relevance and responsiveness to local contexts.
  
  
• Coordinate sport across the College, collaborating with individual campuses and regional partners to develop a sustainable, culturally inclusive sports framework.
• Support student wellbeing and foster teamwork and leadership through the sports program, supported by a dedicated team.
• Embed long-term, regionally appropriate outcomes that strengthen engagement and community connection.

2. Lead the Strait Start Program. The Strait Start program is an early year's initiative targeting children from birth to 4 years. This collaborative program is delivered through a formal partnership between Tagai State College, TSIREC (Torres Strait Islanders' Regional Education Council), and YUMI Education Inc.

As the Deputy Principal your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with community leaders and key stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding Strait Start services across the region.
• Develop a culturally responsive regional plan for service extension aligned with Torres Strait community aspirations.
• Ensure young children and their families receive high-quality, community-informed early childhood services.

The Head of Strait Start Services supports the Strait Start Coordinator by:

• Delivering early childhood learning activities based on the Montessori Education approach for children aged 0-4 years.
• Providing peer mentoring, conducting site visits, observing practice, and offering targeted feedback to improve service quality.
• Ensuring the program's implementation aligns with the College's strategic goals.

About You

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity for a values-led educator with strong relational, organisational and strategic skills, and a deep commitment to equity, cultural integrity and student success in a remote setting.  You will be a collaborative leader who builds authentic partnerships with community, adapts confidently to diverse settings, and leads complex initiatives with clarity and purpose. Thriving in a role that demands flexibility and innovation, you will influence positive outcomes across a geographically dispersed college, ensuring all students are supported within a culturally responsive, inclusive framework.

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 (2-page maximum) addressing Key Capabilities from the 'How you will be assessed' section of the Role Description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory requirements outlined in the Role Description.

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. 
Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE).

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.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FNR651533_25T - Role Description (PDF, 387KB)
  Role Description