Deputy Principal – Learning & Innovation

Type of School: Catholic Secondary College
Location: Melbourne’s South-East
Contract Type: 5-year Deputy Principal tenure + ongoing teaching position
Start: Term 1, 2027
Salary: Approximately $168,000–$174,000 plus super*

About the School

HARKE has partnered with a well-established Catholic secondary college in Melbourne’s south-east to appoint a Deputy Principal – Learning & Innovation.

The College has a strong focus on learning, wellbeing and faith, with an ongoing commitment to improving student outcomes and developing contemporary teaching practice. The school is also progressing a long-term facilities improvement and expansion masterplan across its substantial campus.

About the Role

This is a significant senior leadership opportunity with responsibility for learning, teaching, curriculum and innovation across Years 7–12.

Working as part of the College’s Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Principal will lead whole-school improvement in teaching practice, curriculum, assessment, reporting and academic outcomes.

A major focus of the position will be developing the capability of Learning Area Leaders, Heads of Learning and emerging leaders, while using data and evidence-informed practice to identify priorities and drive sustainable improvement.

The College is looking for an established secondary leader with the credibility and experience to lead strategic change across an entire school.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Years 7–12 learning, teaching and curriculum.

• Lead whole-school improvement initiatives focused on teaching quality and student academic outcomes.

• Drive effective approaches to assessment, reporting and curriculum development.

• Use student data and evidence to identify priorities and inform strategic decision-making.

• Coach and develop Learning Area Leaders, Heads of Learning and emerging leaders across the College.

• Lead innovation in teaching and learning while ensuring changes are purposeful, evidence-informed and sustainable.

• Work collaboratively with the Principal and Executive Leadership Team on broader College strategy and improvement.

• Maintain a strong focus on student safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusive educational practice.

• Actively support and contribute to the Catholic identity, mission and values of the College.

Candidate Background

This position requires significant senior leadership experience within a secondary school setting.

Strong candidates may currently be working as a:

• Deputy Principal

• Assistant Principal

• Head of Teaching & Learning

• Head of Curriculum

• Director of Learning

• Equivalent whole-school senior educational leader

Candidates should demonstrate experience leading curriculum and teaching improvement beyond an individual faculty, alongside strong capability in staff development, data-informed decision-making and strategic change.

Requirements

• Current VIT registration or eligibility to hold VIT

• Significant secondary school senior leadership experience

• Demonstrated whole-school leadership across learning, teaching and/or curriculum

• Strong understanding of contemporary pedagogy, assessment and evidence-informed practice

• Proven ability to coach and develop educational leaders

• Ability to lead strategic change and build engagement across teaching teams

• A strong commitment to Catholic education and willingness to actively uphold the College’s values and mission; candidates do not need to be Catholic

• Full Australian working rights

• Professional referees and completion of HARKE’s safeguarding requirements

Appointment & Salary

The successful candidate will receive a 5-year Deputy Principal tenure with an ongoing teaching position at the College.

Salary is expected to be approximately $168,000–$174,000 plus super, aligned with a Category B Deputy Principal, Level 6 under current CEMEA rates.

2027 remuneration will be subject to the updated agreed EBA and College enrolments.

HARKE Recruitment

Working with HARKE means receiving a straightforward and personalised recruitment experience. Candidates receive clear communication, direct introductions to school leaders, interview preparation and ongoing support throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Click 'APPLY' or contact Amy at HARKE Recruitment for a confidential discussion.

Phone: 0491 727 188