Head of Department

Queensland Department of Education; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Tagai State College on Thursday Island invites applications for Head of Department – Student Engagement for a 12‑month period. Based at Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh (WKNM), the role leads engagement, wellbeing and student success while including a teaching allocation.

The Queensland Department of Education supports leadership, professional development and flexible work. You will monitor engagement data, lead intervention programs, and collaborate with families, staff and community services to

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in education and school improvement.
• Strong ability to analyse data and implement targeted interventions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with students, families and staff.
• Commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive education.
• Willingness to undertake teaching allocation as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse student engagement, attendance, behaviour and achievement data to identify needs.
• Lead and coordinate Head of Year teams with staff, students and families to strengthen engagement and outcomes.
• Strengthen culturally responsive wraparound support addressing students' academic, social, emotional and wellbeing needs.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external agencies, boarding providers and community services to coordinate targeted student and family support.
• Develop and lead family and community engagement initiatives that strengthen student connection, belonging and success.
• As a Head of Department, undertake a teaching allocation as part of the role.

Job description

Queensland Department of Education – Cairns QLD

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Leadership Team at Tagai State College Secondary Campus in 2027 as Head of Department ￂ Student Engagement.

Based at Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh (WKNM) on Thursday Island, this 12-month position, unless otherwise determined, is suited to a motivated educator with strong relational capability and a passion for strengthening student engagement, wellbeing and success.

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

About us:

Tagai State College, located across the Torres Strait, comprises 16 primary campuses and one secondary campus, spanning approximately 48,000 square kilometres of ocean.

For most students, English is an additional language. Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh (WKNM) - Thursday Island Secondary Campus has approximately 370 students enrolled across Years 7-12.

The campus is supported by a dedicated and dynamic leadership team comprising a Head of Campus, 2 x Deputy Principals and 6 x Heads of Department across Curriculum and Student Engagement.

Together, the leadership team is driving a focused improvement agenda, with a strong commitment to consistent, high-fidelity implementation across the campus.

Your opportunity:

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Head of Department - Student Engagement accountabilities, including the leadership and delivery of key activities and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Monitor and analyse student engagement, attendance, behaviour and achievement data to identify needs, lead targeted interventions and evaluate impact.
• Lead and coordinate Head of Year teams and collaborate with staff, students and families to strengthen engagement, learning outcomes and successful pathways.
• Strengthen culturally responsive wraparound support that addresses students' academic, social, emotional, PCL and wellbeing needs, including new and transitioning students.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external agencies, boarding providers and community services to coordinate targeted student and family support.
• Develop and lead family and community engagement initiatives that strengthen student connection, belonging, participation and success at WKNM.
• As a Head of Department, the successful applicant will also undertake a teaching allocation as part of the role.

Within the context of the role described above, the ideal applicant will be someone who has the key capabilities outlined in the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.