Head of Department - Junior Secondary - Monto State High School

Queensland Department of Education; North Burnett Regional; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Department of Education – North Coast QLD seeks an experienced leader to join Monto State High School as Head of Department for Junior Secondary (Years 7–9). This temporary full-time role involves guiding teaching and learning, wellbeing, behaviour and transitions to secure strong outcomes.

The successful candidate will build relationships with students, families and the community, lead a culture of high expectations, and drive inclusive, data-informed improvement in a rural school

Qualifications

• Experience as an educational leader or middle/high school department head.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of junior secondary education and school improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the junior secondary department to improve student achievement and wellbeing.
• Embed inclusive and equitable practices across school operations and student support.
• Drive high standards of performance and professional learning for staff, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Build partnerships with families, community groups and agencies to support student learning.
• Oversee strategic planning and resource management in line with departmental goals.

Job description

Head of Department - Junior Secondary - Monto State High School

Queensland Department of Education – North Coast QLD

Monto State High School is seeking an experienced, dynamic and flexible educational leader to join the school's leadership team as Head of Department - Junior Secondary. This is a significant leadership opportunity within a small rural school setting, with responsibility forleading and supporting improved outcomes for students in Years 7 to 9. The role encompasses oversight of junior secondary student achievement, engagement, wellbeing, behaviour and transition, with a strong focus on establishing the foundations for success throughoutsecondary schooling. This is a temporary full-time position commencing 21 January 2027 until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

About Us

Monto State High School is a small, stand-alone high school with students travelling from five primary schools in the area, including a non-state school.

The school is situated on the second-largest area of school grounds in Queensland. It has an extensive agricultural farm where students grow crops and raise cattle. The campus also features a full-size oval, an indoor sports hall equipped for basketball, netball, and volleyball, as well as access to other sporting facilities. Additional facilities include a resource centre and computer labs.

The school offers a broad range of curriculum options, with increasing flexibility for students in the senior phase of learning. TAFE link courses, school-based traineeships, structured work placements, and alternative programs provide students with diverse pathways and a future-focused education.

About the Role

The role requires a leader who can build strong relationships, respond effectively to the diverse needs of students, and contribute to a culture of high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Strategic Leadership and Educational Vision: Lead the department in developing and implementing a shared educational vision that prioritises high-quality teaching, learning and improved outcomes for all students.
• Equity, Inclusion and Student Wellbeing: Embed socially just, inclusive and equitable practices into everyday school operations, ensuring all students have access to meaningful learning opportunities and the support required to succeed.
• High Expectations and Professional Growth: Establish and maintain high standards of performance, accountability and professional practice for staff and students, while promoting ongoing professional learning, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Partnerships and Community Engagement: Build and sustain positive, collaborative partnerships with students, parents and caregivers, school staff, government agencies and community organisations to enhance student learning and support school priorities.
• Strategic Planning, Compliance and Resource Management: Adopt a future-focused approach to departmental planning and decision-making, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures while effectively managing human, financial, facilities and curriculum resources to achieve departmental goals.

Highy desirable skills and experience

• Highly developed leadership
• Communication and organisational skills
• Strong understanding of junior secondary education
• Inclusive practices and data-informed improvementThe ability to lead with agility, professionalism and a clear commitment to student success will be essential.

This position presents an excellent opportunity for an accomplished educator to contribute to whole-school improvement and provide impactful leadership within a connected and supportive rural school community.

The successful applicant will demonstrate the capacity to lead strategically and operationally within a responsive school environment, working collaboratively with the Principal, leadership team, teachers, students and families.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

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.