General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director)

anzuk; Lismore City Council; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools seeks a highly skilled General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director) to lead learning and teaching support across a diverse network of Catholic schools. You will influence strategy and systems, partner with regional leaders and executive colleagues, and drive evidence-informed practice to improve student outcomes.

This senior role requires deep educational leadership, strong collaboration, and a proven track record in system-level change,

Qualifications

• Commitment to the Mission of Catholic Education and embedding Catholic values in leadership.
• Proven senior leader within an education system.
• Postgraduate qualification at Master’s level or above in Religious Education, Theology or Educational Leadership.
• Current accreditation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
• Ability to lead improvement in a complex, multi-layered educational environment.
• Strategic planning, system alignment and evidence-informed design.
• Exceptional relational leadership and communication across school, system and community contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Learning and Teaching, Inclusion, School Improvement and Digital Technology.
• Lead specialist teams and partner with Regional Assistant Directors and school leaders.
• Translate school insights into tailored programs and professional learning.
• Ensure high-quality, evidence-informed support strengthens teacher practice.

Skills

Educational leadership

Strategic planning

System-wide change

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree or higher in Religious Education, Theology or Educational Leadership

Job description

General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director)

General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director) Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools

Location: Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie

Tenure: Full-time, 5-year recurring contract

Commencement: January 2027

Applications are warmly invited for the position of General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director) with Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled, strategic and experienced Catholic education leader to form part of a senior executive team shaping learning, teaching and school support across a diverse and dynamic network of schools.

The General Manager will lead the Diocese’s specialist capability in learning and teaching, ensuring schools have access to high-quality, evidence-informed support that strengthens teacher practice, builds school capability and improves outcomes for students.

This is an opportunity to join a significant Catholic education community, work in close partnership with school and system leaders, and contribute meaningfully to the Mission of Catholic Education across the Diocese of Lismore.

About Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools provides a range of services to support approximately 3,500 staff across 45 vibrant and dynamic Catholic school communities, serving more than 18,000 students.

Catholic schools have played an important role in the Diocese of Lismore since the nineteenth century. Today, under the pastoral leadership of the Bishop of Lismore, schools across the Diocese provide faith-filled, inclusive and caring environments where young people are supported to grow in faith, learning and living well.

Stretching along the coastal strip of New South Wales from Tweed Heads in the north to Laurieton in the south, and west to Dorrigo on the Great Dividing Range, the Diocese offers a unique opportunity to lead across a diverse and connected regional education system.

At the heart of Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools is a commitment to the evangelising Mission of the Church and to enabling students to experience fullness of life.

The Position

The General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director), as a member of the DLCS Leadership team, is a senior leadership role with influence across the broad strategic direction of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Lismore. The role reports to the Executive General Manager, School Services, and is a key member of the School Services portfolio.

This highly strategic senior leadership role leads specialist teams across Learning and Teaching, Inclusion, School Improvement, Digital Technology for Learning and Vocational Education. Working in close partnership with Regional Assistant Directors, School Services Partners, Principals and senior system leaders, the General Manager ensures specialist expertise is responsive, coherent and aligned with Diocesan priorities.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to ensure schools receive the right support, at the right time, in ways that are grounded in evidence and responsive to local context. They will translate school-level insight into tailored programs, professional learning and system-wide strategies that strengthen teacher practice, support school improvement and improve student outcomes.

This role requires a leader who can work across complex system settings, build trusted relationships, provide authoritative advice and lead teams with clarity, purpose and a deep commitment to Catholic education.

Essential Criteria

• A commitment to the Mission of Catholic Education and to embedding Catholic values and purpose in leadership practice and decision-making.
• Proven experience as aPrincipaland/or senior leader within an education system.
• Relevant teaching and postgraduate qualifications atMaster’slevel or above in Religious Education,Theologyand/or Educational Leadership.
• Current NESA accreditation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead improvement in a complex, multi-layered educational environment.
• Proven capability in strategic planning, systemalignmentand evidence-informed program design.
• Strong educational leadershipexpertise, including a deep understanding of curriculum, regulatoryrequirementsand contemporary issues in education.
• Exceptional relational leadership, communication,facilitationand problem-solving skills.
• The ability to listen deeply, advocate, negotiate and communicate with clarity across school,systemand community contexts.

The Lifestyle

Whether you are drawn to the vibrant, dual-state energy of the Tweed Coast, the coastal hubs of Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie, or the heart of the Northern Rivers in Lismore, this role offers an exceptional NSW regional lifestyle.

The Diocese provides access to thriving coastal communities, strong local schools, naturalbeauty and the authentic charm of regional living, while still offering the amenities and opportunities expected of a major education system.

Expressions of interest close5pm AEDT Monday 5th October 2026.