Nerang State High School is seeking a Head of Department - Student Engagement. This role focuses on initiatives that support students' educational engagement and carries key responsibilities in the areas of wellbeing, attendance, and behaviour.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively with two other Heads of Department - Student Engagement, the Senior Dean of Students, and the Head of Department - Senior Schooling, while also supporting teaching staff in managing student behaviour and building their capacity to develop positive relationships with students through positive reinforcement strategies.

We are seeking an energetic leader who can drive continuous improvement and who has a proven track record of working effectively with disengaged students and parents experiencing difficulty.

Job details

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 

Nerang State High School is a dynamic and inclusive learning community located between the Gold Coast Hinterland and world renowned beaches. We take pride in fostering a culture where students are encouraged to strive for excellence across academic, cultural, sporting, and vocational pathways. Our diverse curriculum includes strong university and community partnerships, a state of the art Trades Training Centre, and innovative programs such as drone certification. Students also enjoy rich extra curricular opportunities in the arts, competitive mountain biking, and a wide range of sports. We are committed to empowering every student to reach their full potential.

Your Responsibilities 

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

• Work as a key member of the school leadership team to implement the whole-school explicit improvement agenda, with a focus on building teacher capability and student engagement.
• Provide strategic leadership of the Student Engagement faculty, aligned with the school's Annual Improvement Plan.
• Use high-level analytical skills to develop strategic actions and implement them through influence, delegation, and teamwork.
• Work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to develop, communicate, and implement whole-school strategic actions.
• Understand and communicate the legislation and policies that impact schooling.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with students, staff, and parents to positively impact learning.
• Continually reinforce school rules, routines, and procedures that align with the school's pedagogy and behaviour frameworks.
• Support Deputy Principals and the two other Heads of Department - Student Engagement in investigating and managing consequences for behaviour incidents.
• Track, analyse, and share student data to improve attendance, effort, and behaviour.
• Identify ways in which the resources of the local community can be accessed and utilised.
• Support the development and review of pastoral care programs.
• Work collaboratively with support staff for students identified as at risk.
• Develop and implement programs to “catch and turn” disengaged students.
• Lead the strategic development and implementation of the annual faculty budget.
• Actively participate in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.

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) your chronological work history, an outline of your qualifications and roles within education, and a summary of your relevant experience, skills, and recent professional development.
• Attach a written statement (maximum 3,500 words or 2 A4 pages preferred, using Calibri 11 font and 2 cm margins) outlining your suitability for the role by addressing Key Capabilities 1–4, as listed in the "How you will be assessed" section of the attached role description; provide 1–2 contextual examples per criterion to illustrate your suitability, with a focus on your leadership of outcomes.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description OR; Attach evidence 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.

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.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  SER642250_25P - Role Description (PDF, 241KB)
  Role Description