Cairns School of Distance Education invites applications for a temporary full-time Head of Department - Humanities, available for 12 months from Term 4 with the possibility of extension, (7 October 2025 until 18 September 2026 unless otherwise determined).

Lead Humanities in a high-performing distance education environment.

This is an opportunity to lead curriculum and teaching in a high-performing school known for academic excellence, statewide reach, and flexible delivery.

You'll contribute to the design and delivery of engaging Humanities programs that support diverse learners, while working with a capable and collaborative leadership team committed to continuous improvement.

Job details

This is a temporary full-time position for 12 months with possibility of extension, from 7 October 2025 until 18 September 2026, unless otherwise determined.

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 Cairns School of Distance Education

Cairns School of Distance Education is part of the Department's virtual learning ecosystem, delivering Prep to Year 12 programs to over 4,000 students across Queensland and globally. Learning is accessed flexibly through synchronous and asynchronous delivery.

Our school operates in a digitally rich and future-focused environment, requiring agile leadership, strong curriculum knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are shaping a connected, distinctive, and authentic global learning community.

About the Role

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

• Lead the school department and curriculum focus in developing and providing quality learning outcomes for all students.
• Embed socially just practices in daily school life.
• Set high standards for student and staff performance.
• Engage in lifelong learning and professional development.
• Build partnerships with students, parents, agencies, and community groups.

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 your mandatory requirements outlined in the 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.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FNR651666_25T - Role Description (PDF, 388KB)
  Role Description