Are you an experienced educational leader passionate about supporting secondary students and strengthening teaching and learning? As Head of Department, you will play an important leadership role in shaping curriculum priorities, developing staff capability and contributing to a positive, inclusive school culture.

You will work collaboratively with teachers, students and the wider school community to promote high expectations, quality educational practice and positive learning outcomes. This is an opportunity to lead meaningful improvement while supporting staff and students to achieve their potential.

If you are ready to bring your leadership capability, educational expertise and commitment to student success to this role, we encourage you to apply for this temporary full-time role offered until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About us:

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, 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 opportunity:

As Head of Department, you will lead your department to develop, articulate and commit to a shared educational vision focused on providing quality learning outcomes for all students. You will contribute to whole-school priorities and support the delivery of school and departmental initiatives.

You will establish and promote high standards for student achievement and staff performance, providing leadership and guidance to teachers to strengthen curriculum delivery and teaching practice. You will encourage a culture of reflection, professional growth and lifelong learning, supporting staff to engage in ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

A key responsibility will be embedding socially just practices in daily school life and promoting an inclusive learning environment where all students are supported to participate and achieve. You will work collaboratively with staff to identify and respond to student needs while maintaining a strong focus on quality teaching and learning.

As a member of the school leadership team, you will contribute to the development and implementation of school improvement priorities, build effective working relationships and provide support and direction to staff. Through your leadership, you will help foster a culture of collaboration, high expectations and shared responsibility for student and staff success.

Interested? To Apply: 

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history).
• Attach a 2-page response to the 'How you will be assessed' or 'Competencies' section of the attached role description. 
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration 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.

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.

• FNR703769_26T - Role Description (PDF, 271KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants