ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS (K 12)

Employee Services P 4979 1230 F 4979 1369 POSITION DESCRIPTION ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS (K 12) REF NO: 7081 POSITION DESCRIPTION REPORTS TO Director of Schools PURPOSE The Assistant Director of Schools is a senior position within the Catholic Schools system in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. The role is accountable to the Director of Schools and may deputise in the absence of the Director with full delegated authority to uphold the policies of the CSO. The Assistant Director: provides support to the Director of Schools in the formation and implementation of the strategic direction of the system, in the leadership and management of schools and in the implementation of the policies and priorities of the Bishop of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. As a member of the CSO Leadership Team of the Catholic Schools Office, the Assistant Director also contributes to system policy, planning and management. works as a critical mentor and professional partner with Principals in the strategic leadership and efficient management of school operations and the active promotion of Catholic identity ensuring alignment with the strategic direction set by the Catholic Schools Office. works collaboratively with Principals to build professional learning communities that foster leadership capability, a culture of shared learning, and ownership for improving teacher expertise and student learning outcomes. Leadership formation and development will occur through Assistant Director engagement in the selection, professional development, formation and appraisal of Senior School Leaders. is responsible for ensuring schools embed socially just practices into daily school life; highlight the relevance of faith to life and contemporary culture, support and monitor the learning and growth of effective teachers and set high standards for students and staff performance. works with Principals in an active and integrated way to facilitate continuous school improvement. The Assistant Director is also a primary contact point for Principals to support system quality assurance and safety, and the health and wellbeing of school communities, and acts as a liaison point between Principals and the Catholic Schools Office, ensuring representation of the views of all parties. works with the Leadership Team and other senior leaders in the Catholic Schools Office to respond to emerging issues and trends within Catholic Education. The Assistant Director engages in sectorrelated decision-making and actions the strategic and policy directions of the Catholic Schools Office. REFLECT, EMBODY AND PROMOTE THE VALUES AND VISION OF THE CSO The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic community desires its schools to be communities of an authentic and lived faith and places where our students can experience the joy and hope of the Gospel story. As a Catholic school leader you are called upon to be more than an employee. You are called to help create a community that bears witness to the world of beauty and goodness of creation and of humanity (Pope Francis, Vatican City, 7 June 2013). The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic system of schools has in its Vision Statement...at the heart of everything there is always Jesus Christ As a faith leader, you are called to ensure this lens is used to guide your leadership and decision-making encompassing all aspects of school planning and school life. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS K 12 POSITION DESCRIPTION Page 1 of 6

VALUES justice and equity quality and excellence professionalism collaboration openness to change respect for all hope in the future CONTEXT The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) is responsible for the leadership, operation and management of systemic schools that educate more than 19,000 students in 45 Primary schools, 11 Secondary schools and one K 12 school in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. The CSO employs more than 1200 teachers and around 550 support staff. Our main focus is providing support for schools to ensure each student receives a quality education and has the opportunity to grow academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally. We are seeking to appoint highly proficient and experienced educational leaders who possess a high level of professional competency across a range of key areas and have a proven ability to articulate and give positive witness to the mission of the church. The role requires the person to be a practising catholic, have post-graduate qualifications in educational leadership and a demonstrated record of excellence in a leadership role in catholic education over at least ten years. ACCOUNTABILITIES Guided by Gospel Values, the Assistant Director is accountable for the following: Key Result Areas Responsibilities Accountabilities Faith Leadership Promoting and emphasising the values and principles that are integral to the Catholic Church and Catholic education Promoting the strategic religious initiatives of the Bishop of Maitland Newcastle Leading strategic action to ensure continuous improvement across all domains of schooling, with particular reference to spiritual formation Ensuring the principles of social justice, equity and inclusivity are central to the policies and practices of Schools Building a shared vision with Principals that is distinctively Catholic, provides exceptional education and nurtures the call to love and serve as a people of faith Setting of high expectations and values through the promotion of school programs, policies and procedures that Evidence of embracing the mission of the Catholic Schools Office, and modelling its values and appropriate professional and ethical behaviour Evidence of ongoing commitment to faith development of CSO Staff and within allocated schools Stakeholder feedback regarding integration of faith and inclusive practices within allocated schools Evidence of systematic and comprehensive program links that support school, parish and family life within allocated schools Assistant Director of Schools K 12 Position Description Page 2 of 6

Key Result Areas Responsibilities Accountabilities are embedded with the fundamental concepts of human dignity, social justice and environmental stewardship Systems and Strategic Leadership Contributing to the formulation and implementation of the strategic vision for the Catholic Schools Office and the development of the strategic plan Leading and influencing the development and implementation of CSO policy and strategy across allocated schools Providing strong, purposeful leadership for sustained, high quality, student-centred school performance and a culture and practice of continuous improvement Supporting Principals and school staff in developing leadership capacity through ensuring accountabilities are clearly defined and understood, and through facilitating effective continuing professional learning and performance feedback Supporting Principals in the leadership and management of whole school planning, priorities and directions, incorporating critical analysis of a wide range of data sources, to ensure strategic alignment, accountability and compliance with CSO policies, procedures, governance and legislative requirements Working in collaboration with others members of the Director s Office to provide support to schools in key areas such as: School Evaluation and Development Registration and Accreditation of schools Performance Reviews of Principals and Assistant Principals School Improvement Curriculum and Pedagogy High quality Teaching and Learning Supporting selection processes for Principal and Assistant Principal positions and the induction and mentoring of new and existing school leaders Undertake specific projects and other duties as required by the Director Ensuring strategic alignment with CSO priorities within allocated schools and delegated projects The development, maintenance and review of quality assurance and risk management frameworks within allocated schools in accordance with CSO delegations, policies, procedures, governance and legislative requirements School feedback re provision of leadership and direction in the development of school strategic and annual plans Evidence of use of the Continuum of School Improvement and other relevant data to develop longer term strategic and annual improvement plans Monitoring and use of school performance in a range of indicators (NAPLAN, HSC etc) to guide school strategy and ensure continuous improvement Critical incident and complaints data meeting set benchmarks Evidence of leadership development, mentoring and succession planning within allocated schools Assistant Director of Schools K 12 Position Description Page 3 of 6

Key Result Areas Responsibilities Accountabilities Engaging and Working with the Community Acting with openness and integrity and fostering trusting and collaborative relationships with staff, students, families, the broader school community and with other CSO schools Providing high level advice and communication to the CSO Director and other members of the Leadership team Supporting and delivering high quality leadership development opportunities for established and emerging leaders across the CSO Fostering partnerships between the CSO with and between System Schools to share best practice and build alignment and consistent practice Engaging with school communities in a manner that promotes the CSO and the professionalism of staff in a positive light and creates a culture of respect Leadership in the exemplary handling of critical incidents, parent/stakeholder complaints and serious conflict within the school Liaising with other educational bodies including: Catholic Education Commission of NSW and the ACT NSW Educational Standards Authority The NSW Department of Education and Training The Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Work Relations Australian Catholic University University of Newcastle Evidence of effective communication, problem solving and decision making processes with staff, families and stakeholders Evidence of constructive participation in Leadership Team Meetings Evidence of responding effectively to feedback from staff, families and the community Stakeholder feedback re engagement Assistant Director of Schools K 12 Position Description Page 4 of 6

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/ATTRIBUTES Essential Practising Catholic, with a clear understanding of contemporary issues in the Catholic Church and a personal commitment to Catholic Education and the mission of Catholic schools and the Catholic Church Post graduate qualifications in Religious Education, Theological Studies, or Spirituality or a willingness to enrol within twelve months of appointment Post graduate qualifications in Educational Leadership combined with a minimum of ten years teaching experience and five years experience as a Principal, or an equivalent combination of experience, training and achievement 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 Exceptional leadership qualities and a substantial record of achievement and commitment to creating and leading effective professional learning communities and delivering quality learning outcomes for all students In depth knowledge of and experience in curriculum and pedagogy and familiarity with state and national developments in education Demonstrated ability to work with Principals across a range of school settings and to build their capacity as Faith Leaders and Leaders of Learning A demonstrated capacity to develop and support leaders in ensuring alignment with CSO strategies and engagement with contemporary issues in education and leadership Excellent organisational and time management skills, the capacity to successfully multi task, managing competing priorities, maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines Exceptional skills in mentoring, communication, relationship building and conflict resolution Outstanding knowledge and experience across the domains of school leadership; Catholic identity; focused vision and goals; strong leadership; high expectations for all; high quality teaching and learning; effective use of data; orderly and safe learning environments; strong home, school and community engagement Sound knowledge of all relevant legislation and legal frameworks including equity and diversity, work health and safety and performance management principles and the capacity to implement relevant plans and policies to ensure strong governance Desirable A strong track record in scholarship in teaching and learning, the nature and purpose of Catholic schooling and/or educational leadership Masters level of post-graduate study Assistant Director of Schools K 12 Position Description Page 5 of 6

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Direct reports Principals Internal External Director of Schools Leadership Team CSO Staff Senor School Leaders, Parish Priests School and CSO networks Family and community partners SIGNATURES EMPLOYEE:... DATE:... DIRECTOR:... DATE:... Assistant Director of Schools K 12 Position Description Page 6 of 6