The Catholic Schools, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, is seeking an exceptional and contemporary educational leader for the role of Assistant Director of Catholic Schools commencing in January 2027

Supporting a thriving system of 58 schools, this significant executive leadership role will contribute to shaping the strategic direction, performance, and future growth of Catholic education across the Diocese.

Working closely with a portfolio of schools, the Assistant Director provides leadership, mentoring and strategic support to Principals and leadership teams, fostering strong partnerships and promoting excellence in teaching, learning, wellbeing and faith formation. The role also provides leadership within Catholic Schools, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing executive leadership team.

Based at Catholic Schools in Newcastle West, the role involves regular engagement with schools and communities across the Diocese.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a highly accomplished Principal or senior educational leader with substantial leadership experience, preferably including a minimum of 10 years in school leadership.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• a deep commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.
• a strong understanding of contemporary Catholic education.
• exceptional strategic and relational leadership capability; and
• a demonstrated ability to inspire excellence, innovation, and collaboration across a large and diverse educational system.

POSITION DESCRIPTION (available via the Internal Careers page if viewing this advertisement on Seek)

The Assistant Director of Catholic Schools provides instructional and operational leadership to schoolprincipals across the Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle. The Assistant Director of Catholic Schools provides advice, mentoring and support to principals, to ensure the efficient and effective operation of schools and the maximisation of student outcomes.

The role supports the continued growth of existing principals, and plays a pivotal role in the recruitment, induction and support of new principals. The role provides advice in relation to school operations, escalates matters to the Director of Catholic Schools, and provides emergency school Principal coverage when required. This role is also a key contact and CSO representative in transition and growth programs relevant to 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. 
• Experienced Principal with proven ability to develop staff, manage complex staffing issues, and manage response to organisational change. 
• Experience in an educational institution, showing understanding of the student lifecycle and associated measures. 
• Experience and understanding of educational governance and familiarity with the relevant statutory requirements. 
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, change management and partnership skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at varying levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and support schools in setting and achieving strategic priorities; initiating and driving improvement, innovation, and change; and embedding and applying new learning within a rapidly changing sector and global environment. 
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting analytics, with a strong understanding of business performance reporting metrics. 

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
• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
• Current NSW Driver’s License
• Active NESA Teacher Accreditation
• 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 via the Internal Careers page if viewing this advertisement on Seek)

For further information regarding this position, please contact: 

Sarah O'Leary: sar••••••••••@mn.catholic.org.au - 4979 1210

Applications close: Thursday 23rd July 2026 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.