Head of Boarding
Type of School:
Independent Girls’ Boarding School
Location:
Regional Victoria | Approximately one hour from Melbourne CBD
Contract Type:
Full-time, permanent ongoing
Start:
Term 1, 2027
Salary:$95,000–$110,000 depending on experience + salary packaging
Hours:
Ideally 5 days per week | 4 days may be considered for the right candidate
About the School
HARKE has partnered with a unique Independent girls’ boarding school in regional Victoria, approximately one hour from Melbourne CBD. The school provides a culturally supportive residential and educational environment for Aboriginal students, with a strong focus on student wellbeing, safety, connection to culture and positive relationships with families and communities.
This is an opportunity to take on a meaningful leadership position within a close-knit residential school community.
About the Role
The school is seeking a Head of Boarding to lead the day-to-day operation of its residential boarding program. This is a permanent leadership position with responsibility for boarding staff, student wellbeing and safeguarding, residential operations, restorative practices and engagement with students’ families and communities.
The school is open to candidates from boarding, residential care, youth work, social work, community services or education backgrounds. It could suit an established boarding leader, a strong supervisor ready to take the next step, or an experienced teacher looking to transition into a student wellbeing and residential leadership position.
The previous Head of Boarding was promoted internally, creating this opportunity.
Skills and Responsibilities
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Lead the day-to-day operation of the boarding program and provide clear, supportive leadership to residential staff.
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Maintain high standards of student safeguarding, wellbeing and culturally responsive residential care.
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Build positive relationships with students and use restorative approaches to support behaviour, relationships and conflict resolution.
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Develop strong relationships with families and communities to support students throughout their boarding experience.
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Coordinate boarding routines, staffing and operational requirements, including student travel at the beginning and end of terms.
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Create a safe, consistent and supportive residential environment where students feel connected, respected and supported.
Requirements
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Female candidates only, due to the requirements of the girls’ residential boarding environment
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Demonstrated leadership capability is essential
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Experience within boarding, residential care, youth work, social work, community services, education or a related environment
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Australian and New Zealand candidates are welcome to apply
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Must be available to work at least one weekend day each week during school terms
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Willingness to travel at the beginning and end of terms, including travel to the Northern Territory to escort students
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Strong commitment to student safeguarding, wellbeing and culturally responsive practice
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Two professional referees and completion of HARKE’s safeguarding onboarding
Benefits and Accommodation
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$95,000–$110,000 salary depending on experience
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Salary packaging available
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Accommodation and meals provided while on shift
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Permanent onsite accommodation may be available for a single person only; this is not suitable for families and pets cannot be accommodated
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Approximately one week off during each Term 1–3 school holiday period
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Annual shutdown over the Christmas school holidays
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Ideally five days per week, with four days considered for the right candidate
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Regional setting approximately one hour from Melbourne CBD
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.
Send your CV to amy@harke.com.au