Head of Catholic Life, Education & Mission – Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong

Led by Bishop Brian Mascord, who was ordained in February 2018, the Diocese of Wollongong is home to some 191,000 baptised Catholics extending across the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands regions of NSW.

Not only is it likely the fastest growing diocese in Australia, it has been blessed with a rich diversity—traditional Aboriginal custodians, old settlers and newly-arrived migrants; rural, urban and industrial environments; coastal and highland settings; established townships and some of the most rapidly growing suburbs in Australia.

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) is a system of quality Catholic schools, consisting of 38 school communities drawing from four metropolitan and regional areas (the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands), along with the Catholic Education Office, that exists to service the educational, administrative and resourcing needs of these schools.

Foundational to all endeavours of Catholic Education and particularly to the work of CLEM are the values expressed by Jesus in the Gospels.

The Catholic Life, Education and Mission (CLEM) service area exists to proactively support Lighting the Way (LTW), the Vision and Strategic Direction for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wollongong.

The service area has a particular responsibility for enlivening the Catholicity and Mission of Education within the Diocese. It is through the work of service provided by CLEM that the shared mission ‘to create vibrant Catholic school communities where every student finds meaning and purpose in their lives’ is supported and enabled.

The operational enterprises of the CLEM team influence and extend into the delivery of service and support for the areas of focus outlined in LTW.

Further Information

View ‘Lighting The Way’ by clicking here

A range of information can be viewed by visiting the CEDoW website located at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/dow/

Position Overview

Position Title: Head of Catholic Life, Education and Mission (one of 7 Heads of Service on the CEDoW Leadership Team)

Reports to:       Director of Schools

Position Purpose

The role of Head of Catholic Life, Education and Mission (CLEM) exists to support the Director of Schools in the realisation of the evangelising Mission of the church; the promotion of Catholic Life and Identity; and the provision of learning and pedagogical support for Religious Education within systemic school communities, the Catholic Education Office and in the broader Church and general community.

This Head of Service role is a foundational and significant leadership position. The role encompasses responsibilities through membership of the Catholic Education Office Leadership Team and through the provision of advice and influence upon strategic planning and decision making.

Key aspects of the role are the coordination of the work of CLEM personnel in the provision of educational services to schools; and the integration of a Mission imperative into the strategic work of the agencies engaged in Catholic Education.

Implicit to the role is an ongoing supportive collaboration with the Office of the Bishop, Parish Priests and related Church agencies and organisations within and beyond the Diocese of Wollongong.

Scope of the Position

• Catholic Social Teaching
• Church Engagement
• Community Development
• Diocesan Resource Centre
• Advocacy & Outreach
• Mission Formation & Integration
• Prayer & Liturgy
• Religious Education
• Staff Spiritual Formation
• Youth Ministry

Key Responsibilities

• Determining and marshalling internal and external resources to meet both system and school needs in line with the Strategic Direction and Vision for Catholic Education 2019 -2022
• Overseeing the delivery of the full extent of CLEM Services to schools, and CEDoW offices.
• Leading system initiatives and processes.
• Liaising with senior leaders within CEDoW to deliver collaborative and system aligned leadership and direction.
• Liaising with an extensive range of internal and external agencies and personnel to develop mutually supportive relationships and partnerships.
• Providing critical strategic viewpoints and advice to influence ongoing strategic direction and system planning.

A full Position Description will be supplied at a later stage of this project.

Key Relationships

• The role requires strong relationships with Principals and leadership teams at each primary/secondary school.
• The role is accountable to the Director of Schools through the CEDoW Leadership Team.
• The role requires effective relationships with:
  • The Bishop of Wollongong
  • The Office of the Bishop
  • Priests and Clergy of the Diocese of Wollongong and beyond
  • Heads of Agencies of the Church and appropriate staff
  • Heads of RE – NSW
  • Community leaders and agencies
• The role requires effective internal relationships throughout all areas with the Catholic Education Office.
• The role has 13 direct reports which is the full complement of the CLEM team.

An Organisation Chart will be supplied at a later stage of this project.

Reason for Vacancy

After more than 5 years in the role, Mr Ken Bryant is retiring at the end of 2020.

Commencement

It is anticipated the successful person will be able to commence in this role at the start of 2021. Ideally the person would be available during term 4 of 2020 for induction activities to enable a smooth transition of leadership.

Location and Travel

While the CEDoW Leadership Team, including this role, is primarily based within the Marian Centre office located in Market Street Wollongong; there is scope to negotiate also working from the Emmaus Centre in Campbelltown.  Given the geographic spread of the Diocese combined with the need to be visible in schools as well as involved in wider forums, regular travel is required.

Conditions of Employment

• Salary will be discussed at a later stage of the recruitment process.
• Motor vehicle: a fully maintained vehicle for business and personal use is provided.
• Superannuation: 9.5%.
• Salary packaging is available.
• An annual Performance and Development Plan process occurs.
• Tenure: the initial appointment is for 3 years and, subject to a performance review in the 3rd year, renewed for an additional period.
• A full time Executive Assistant and administrative assistance is currently in place to support this position.
• Before appointment, an applicant must complete a “Working With Children Check” through the Office of the Children’s Guardian and a Police Check – please visit https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check
• Applicants will require a current “C” Class Driver’s Licence.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following criteria:

• Senior leadership experience in Catholic education.
• A deep understanding and commitment to the mission and purpose of Catholic education within the broader evangelising mission of the Catholic Church.
• A well-articulated Catholic pedagogy and the capacity to integrate Catholic identity into the framework of a Catholic school.
• Extensive understanding of current and emerging national, state and diocesan Church and educational agendas.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build a high level of trust and credibility with key Church, CEO and school personnel.
• The capacity to inspire staff, bring about change and deliver on strategic intent.
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional learning, particularly shown through significant post-graduate studies and professional development experiences.

Are You Interested in this Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1434. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number (mobile preferred).

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.

Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to jobs@traksearch.com.

The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.

The Selection Process

Key dates as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for your confidential enquiries. They will also provide a range of additional information to allow you to explore how this opportunity aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm (AEST) on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the CEDoW schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Catholic Priest referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Director of Schools or his nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• If you would like a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.