INTRODUCTION:

Not Your Average Leadership Role.
We’re looking for a high-impact educational leader to help shape the future of Catholic education across 58 schools and 21,000+ students. If you’re ready to bring strategic insight, sharp leadership, and unwavering faith into one powerful role — keep reading.
Who We Are
Catholic Schools, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is one of the most forward-focused diocesan education networks in NSW — 44 primary schools, 11 secondary, 2 K–12 and a flexible learning centre. We’re deeply rooted in our Catholic identity, but we’re not afraid to innovate, challenge, and evolve for the good of our students, staff, and communities.

What You’ll Do

• Mentor and challenge principals to lead boldly and with purpose.
• Tackle school improvement head-on — driving change, not waiting for it.
• Lead leadership recruitment and development like it’s your mission — because it is.
• Show up in crisis with calm, clarity and strength.
• Represent the Diocese in high-stakes transitions and expansion projects.
• Make data work for people — real people, real outcomes.
• Build rock-solid relationships with internal teams, communities, and stakeholders.

Who You Are

• A practising Catholic who lives their faith with integrity and action.
• A former principal or senior educator who knows how to lead under pressure.
• A sharp, strategic thinker with real-world experience driving change.
• An exceptional communicator — not just polished, but powerful.
• Someone who sees compliance and governance not as red tape, but as the framework for impact.
• A leader who sees people, reads culture, and knows how to move both forward.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Director of Catholic Schools provides high-level instructional and operational leadership to school principals across the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Acting as a senior advisor, the Assistant Director ensures the effective operation of schools, supports the continuous improvement of school leadership, and drives sustainable practices that enhance school culture and student outcomes. Positioned one level below the Director, the role includes strategic mentoring, resource allocation, and leadership development for principals.
This role plays a critical part in the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new principals, while also fostering the growth and development of existing principals. The Assistant Director provides expert advice on school operations, escalates matters to the Director of Catholic Schools when necessary, and offers emergency coverage for school principals as required. Additionally, the role serves as a key contact and representative for Catholic Schools in transition and growth programs, supporting both primary and secondary schools.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• Practising Catholic active in the life of a Eucharistic community, with an understanding of their baptismal call to share and witness the good news of Jesus Christ.
• Extensive experience as a principal, with a demonstrated ability to develop and mentor staff, manage complex staffing issues, and lead responses to organisational change within dynamic and complex educational environments.
• Experience within an educational institution, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the student lifecycle, educational practices, and outcomes, and the ability to apply this knowledge to drive improvements in student achievement and wellbeing.
• In-depth understanding of educational governance, statutory requirements, and relevant regulations. Proven ability to navigate and apply governance frameworks while ensuring compliance with industry standards and legislative obligations.
• Exemplary communication skills with a proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and across diverse communities. Expertise in leading change initiatives, managing complex partnerships, and cultivating relationships that foster collaboration and support for strategic goals.
• Demonstrated ability to assess, set, and drive strategic priorities within schools, initiating and leading transformational change. Proven track record of embedding innovative practices and supporting schools in adapting to new learning methodologies, technological advancements, and evolving global educational trends.
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting and leveraging analytics to assess school performance, with a strong understanding of business performance metrics. Ability to utilize data to inform decision-making, drive continuous improvement, and optimize school operations for greater impact on student outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Postgraduate qualifications in education, educational leadership combined with demonstrated teaching experience and experience as senior educator, or an equivalent combination of experience, training, and achievement
• Active NESA Accreditation
• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
• Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead (level E)
  Interested?

To apply for this role, please submit an online application including:

• Your cover letter: (maximum of 2 pages)

Please address the criteria requirements as well as the key knowledge and experience outlined in the role description. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you are well-suited to succeed in it.

• Your resume:

Ensure your resume provides clear evidence of your competence in the focus capabilities listed in the role description. Highlight how your skills, experience, and professional knowledge align with the role and how they position you for success.
To view a copy of the candidate pack, click here (available on internal careers page)
For further information regarding this position, please contact:
Angela Bryant: angela.bryant@mn.catholic.org.au - 0409 738 421 or
Sarah O’Leary: sarah.oleary1@mn.catholic.org.au - 0428 777 359
Applications close: Sunday 3rd August 2025 at 11.59pm
Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.
Additional information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation

What You’ll Do

• Mentor and challenge principals to lead boldly and with purpose.
• Tackle school improvement head-on — driving change, not waiting for it.
• Lead leadership recruitment and development like it’s your mission — because it is.
• Show up in crisis with calm, clarity and strength.
• Represent the Diocese in high-stakes transitions and expansion projects.
• Make data work for people — real people, real outcomes.
• Build rock-solid relationships with internal teams, communities, and stakeholders