Head of Music

St Augustine's College; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

Fortnightly staff lunches

Salary packaging options

Job summary

St Augustine’s College in Sydney seeks an accomplished educator to join the academic leadership team as Head of Music. You will lead the Music department across Years 5–12, guiding curricular and co-curricular programs and strengthening teaching and assessment practices.

You will drive student engagement and oversee ensembles, performances and events, while nurturing talent and collaboration among staff and the broader music community. Above-market salary and leadership development are offered.

Qualifications

• Experienced teacher with a record of outstanding classroom practice.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary Music curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
• Experience directing and supporting musical performances, ensembles, events or productions.
• Ability to inspire students to pursue excellence while fostering broad participation.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and leadership skills.
• Coaching, mentoring and collaboration to develop colleagues.
• Strategic thinking with ability to manage operational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, development and evaluation of Music across Years 5–12.
• Foster a culture of excellence, creativity and participation in curricular and co-curricular Music.
• Lead and support high-quality teaching, learning and assessment practices.
• Build student engagement in Music through innovative learning experiences.
• Oversee and promote a vibrant co-curricular Music program including ensembles, performances and events.
• Collaborate with staff to identify and nurture student talent, achievement and participation.
• Use data to identify priorities and evaluate outcomes.
• Lead staff through professional learning, mentoring and feedback.
• Strengthen connections between classroom Music, ensembles and performances.
• Manage departmental resources, budgets, facilities and equipment.
• Build partnerships with students, families, alumni and the music community.
• Provide opportunities for students to engage with professional musicians and workshops.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum knowledge

Communication

Mentoring

Collaboration

Education

NESA accreditation

Job description

Shape the future of Music in a College where creativity, performance and excellence thrive

St Augustine’s College is seeking an accomplished and passionate educator to join our academic leadership team as Head of Music (3-point leadership position) for the commencement of the 2027 school year.

This is an opportunity to lead a vibrant and highly visible Music program. From classroom learning and HSC success to ensembles, concerts, festivals and performance opportunities, Music at St Augustine’s provides students with opportunities to develop their talents, express their creativity and contribute meaningfully to the life of the College.

At St Augustine’s, we believe Music is about more than performance. It develops confidence, collaboration, discipline, creativity and self-expression. Through rich learning experiences and an inclusive culture of participation, we seek to inspire a lifelong appreciation of music and the arts.

The Head of Music will bring together people, programs and opportunities to ensure every student can engage meaningfully with music, whether as a classroom learner, ensemble member, performer, composer or aspiring musician.

Working collaboratively with academic leaders, teachers, tutors and professional staff, you will strengthen teaching and learning, lead a thriving co-curricular program and continue to build a culture in which Music is visible, valued and celebrated across the College.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Principal – Academic, the Head of Music will:

• Lead the strategic direction, development and evaluation of Music across Years 5–12.
• Foster a culture of excellence, creativity and participation in both curricular and co-curricular Music.
• Lead and support the ongoing development of high-quality teaching, learning and assessment practices.
• Build student engagement in Music through innovative and authentic learning experiences.
• Oversee and promote a vibrant co-curricular Music program including ensembles, performances, festivals, showcases and special events.
• Work collaboratively with staff to identify and nurture student talent, achievement and participation.
• Use achievement, engagement and participation data to identify priorities and evaluate outcomes.
• Lead and support staff through professional learning, mentoring, collaboration and feedback.
• Strengthen connections between classroom Music, ensemble participation and performance opportunities.
• Manage departmental resources, budgets, facilities and equipment.
• Build partnerships with students, families, alumni and the broader music community.
• Promote opportunities for students to engage with professional musicians, workshops, competitions and performance experiences.

About you

You will be a highly experienced teacher of excellence, with a strong record of outstanding classroom practice, current NESA accreditation, and the passion and accomplishment of a dedicated musician.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading a Music department, co-curricular program or significant educational initiative.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary Music curriculum, pedagogy and assessment practices.
• Experience directing and supporting musical performances, ensembles, events or productions.
• The ability to inspire students to pursue excellence while fostering broad participation and enjoyment.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and leadership skills.
• Experience developing the capability of colleagues through coaching, mentoring and collaboration.
• The ability to think strategically while successfully managing operational priorities.
• A commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in Music education.
• A warm, relational and student-centred approach, supported by sound professional judgement and a strong commitment to student safety and wellbeing.

Why Join St Augustine's?

This is an opportunity to join a thriving and innovative learning community where academic excellence, student wellbeing and staff development are equally valued.

At St Augustine's, we invest in our people. We offer above-market salaries, meaningful professional learning, leadership development opportunities and a culture built on respect, support and genuine collegiality.

Our staff also enjoy:

• Fitness Passport membership
• Fortnightly staff lunches
• Salary packaging options
• A strong sense of community and purpose

Most importantly, you'll join a school that genuinely values its staff and recognises that exceptional outcomes for students begin with exceptional support for our people.

Child Safeguarding

St Augustine’s College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all students. The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate child protection screening and comply with College safeguarding practices.

Applications

Applications close 9am Monday 9 November, however applications will be reviewed as received and may proceed to interview, so the College reserves the right to appoint prior to this date. Early applications are encouraged.

For enquiries, please contact Camilla Smith at [e-mail].