Pacific Pines State High School is seeking an innovative and dynamic Head of Department - Student Engagement to lead and strengthen whole-school strategies that promote positive student behaviour, wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement in learning. As Head if Department - Student Engagement, you will lead targeted support programs, analyse engagement and wellbeing data to inform decision making, build strong partnerships with families and community agencies, and foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive school culture. This is a temporary full- time position commencing 23 March 2026 until 11 April 2027, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About Us:

Pacific Pines State High School is a rapidly growing secondary school predicted to grow to 2500 students in the next few years. At Pacific Pines SHS we instil a sense of personal and collective integrity in our students which will serve them well throughout their lives. In conjunction with our families, we nurture our students with a sense of purpose and a clear set of behavioural standards and lifelong values.

We believe every student can achieve great things. Located on the northern Gold Coast, our vibrant and inclusive community is committed to celebrating learning, living our values, and inspiring excellence every day.
Guided by our motto, Inspiring Excellence to Empower Success, we nurture curious minds, build strong character, and support every student to reach their full potential. Our core values; safety, respect, responsibility, and lifelong learning are embedded in everything we do and proudly reflected in the language of the Kombumerri people, traditional custodians of our land

About the Role:

The Student Engagement & Success portfolio at PPSHS is split into three phases: Junior (Years 7 & 8), Senior Preparatory (Years 9 & 10) and Senior (Years 11 & 12). An opportunity exists to join our team as Head of Department, Student Engagement & Success in the Senior Preparatory phase, Year 10.

As the Head of Department - Student Engagement you will:

• Focus on initiatives to support the educational outcomes for students.
• Incorporate the vision of Early Childhood and State Schools Division into school planning.
• Develop the quality of teaching and learning.
• Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers and the community.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to;

• Lead and implement innovative strategies to improve student learning outcomes and attendance, particularly in schools serving disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable outcomes for all students.
• Monitor student performance and behaviour, develop targeted intervention strategies, and provide tools and guidance to regional leaders and teachers to enhance student achievement and attendance.
• Strengthen partnerships with parents, higher education institutions, State Schools Division, local businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and external agencies to support student engagement and holistic wellbeing, including new arrivals and their families.
• Embed socially just practices in daily school life, ensuring leadership decisions align with relevant legislation and policies impacting students and staff.
• Prepare required data reports for senior management and effectively manage human, financial, facilities, and curriculum resources to achieve strategic goals.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position. 

How to apply:

• Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history); and
• A 2-pg written statement in response to 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. 

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 Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• SER679055_26T- Role Description (PDF, 204KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 232KB)
  Information Package for Applicants