EOI - Head of Department (Curriculum) (multiple positions) - Aurukun State School

Queensland Department of Education; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental educational body in Australia is seeking experienced Heads of Department for a temporary, full-time position. Located in Aurukun, the roles require strong leadership in curriculum delivery. Candidates should possess relevant teaching qualifications and experience in an educational setting. This is an opportunity to make a positive impact in a remote community while enjoying offered benefits.

Benefits

Travel allowances

Location allowances

Subsidised housing

Qualifications

• Must be a current Queensland Government employee.
• Experience in leading curriculum and educational practices.
• Ability to nurture relationships with students and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum focus aligned with school and departmental initiatives.
• Develop teaching quality and outcomes.
• Establish partnerships with students, parents, and community groups.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Adaptability

Education

Relevant teaching qualifications

Job description

Heads of Department (Education Services - Temporary Contract)

We are seeking 3 x Heads of Department as part of the greater reforms to the design and provision of education services and delivery to the young people of Aurukun. Our school is seeking empathetic, resilient, and caring individuals who are flexible in their thinking and approach, and who can adapt to changing circumstances.

These roles are temporary, full-time contract positions for six months, commencing in Term 1, 2026.

This is open to Expressions of Interest and any extensions to this appointment will not exceed 12 months.

About The School

Koolan Aurukun State School, located on the west coast of Cape York, 11 hours drive from Cairns and only 2 hours drive south of Weipa, was opened in 1974 and remains the only school in Aurukun.

Our Moral Purpose Is That

• Every child is unique, valued and can learn.
• Every child will have opportunity for equal access and participation locally, nationally and internationally.
• Education is a powerful tool for change.
• Education creates a life time of enriched possibilities.

About Living In Aurukun

Aurukun is a remote Indigenous community located 11 hours by road from Cairns, and only 2 hours drive south of Weipa on the North West coast of the Cape York Peninsula. Home to around 1300 people, this community is the traditional homeland of the Wik, Wik Waya and Kugu people. The predominant traditional language spoken in Aurukun is Wik Mungkan; this is the first language of most Aurukun children.

Living and working in the remote town of Aurukun, you will have access to the benefits the Department offers for temporary teachers and staff employed in rural and remote locations. These benefits include travel, location allowances and subsidised departmental housing.

What We Have On Offer For You

Koolkan Aurukun State School is seeking empathetic, resilient, and caring individuals who are flexible in their thinking and approach, and who can adapt to changing circumstances. These roles are temporary, full-time contract positions for six months, commencing in Term 1, 2026.

The Roles Will Be

• Head of Department – Curriculum (The Arts)
• Head of Department – Curriculum (HPE)
• Head of Department – Curriculum (Technology)

This role is due to commence on 22 January 2026 and continue until 26 June 2026, unless otherwise determined.

The Roles And Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum focus in line with school and departmental initiatives.
• Participate in delivering the vision of State Schools Division.
• Develop the quality of teaching and learning.
• Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers and stakeholders.
• Have responsibility for leading the following activities and delivery of the following key tasks:
  • Lead the relevant curriculum area (ARTS, HPE or TECHNOLOGY) to develop, articulate and commit to a shared educational vision focussed on providing quality learning outcomes for all students.
  • Embed socially just practices in daily school life.
  • Set high standards for student and staff performance.
  • Actively participate in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.
  • Form partnerships with students, parents, other government agencies, and community groups.
  • Be futures oriented and strategic.
  • Understand the legislation and policies that impact on schooling especially in relation to students and staff within the school department.

These roles will be teaching HOD roles.

Please read the full role description attached and as well as addressing the selection criteria within the specific curriculum area you are applying for.

Interested? To Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) addressing Key Capabilities 1-4 as per Role Description "How you will be assessed" section.
• Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applicants need to be a current Queensland Government employee to be eligible to apply.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Occupational group Education & Training